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THE 


CONTENTS. 


H AFTER  PAGE 

I.  The  Wanderer 5 

II.  The  Blacksmith 7 

III.  The  Engineer 10 

IV.  The  Journey 15 

V.  Disappointment 27 

VI.  More  Disappointment 44 

VII.  Do  not  Drink 71 

VIII.  Hogg  Cedersen , 83 

IX.  Jennie 99 

X.  Young  Shbpard iii 

XI.  A  Misconstruction 132 

XII.  At  Work 148 

XIII.  The  Orphans 186 

XIV.  Love  and  Conscience 195 

XV.  Viola's  Love 221 

XVL  Just  in  Time 247 

XVII.  She  has  Come  to  Kiss  Me 267 


M'<^?^436 


AN  OLD  DUSTY'S  STORY, 


CHAPTER  I. 

THE   WANDERER. 

It  was  a  dark,  stormy  night  in  the  latter  part  of 
Novem-ber.  The  clay  just  closed  had  been  unusually 
bleak  and  bitter.  The  clouds  that  had  drifted  about 
through  the  day  had  now  formed  into  one  solid  mass, 
and  sent  their  fine,  round  snow  on  mountain  and  val- 
ley. The  wind  took  hold  of  the  snow  as  it  fell  and 
sent  it  flying  hither  and  thither. 

"  By  George !  I  made  a  mistake  in  coming  down 
to-night,  and  wish  I  was  back  at  the  mine.  This  is  a 
nasty,  miserable  night,  and  I  shall  have  a  rough  time 
climbing  that  hill." 

This  exclamation  came  from  W.  C.  Shepard,  the 
engineer  at  one  of  the  mines  in  the  hills  above. 

It  was  pay  day,  and  he  had  come  down  to  the  dirty 
little  mining  town  to  cash  his  check.  This  being  done 
and  his  little  bills  paid,  he  was  starting  back  to  the 
mine.  Not  that  he  need  go  alone  if  he  would  **  wait 
a  while,"  for  there  were  many  of  the  boys  down,  and 
miner-like,  were  filling  up  on  poor  whiskey. 

A  steady  man  was  Mr.  Shepard,  and  he  had  too 
much  respect  for  himself,  and  too  much  native  pride 
and  manhood,  to  drink  and  act  worse  than  a  beast. 

His  foreman,  who  was  fond  of  a  drop,  had  said: 
"  I  will  give  ten  dollars  to  see  Shepard  drunk." 

s 


6  An  Old  Dusty 's  Story. 

But  so  far,  Mr.  Shepard  had  kept  his  manhood 
and  the  foreman  his  money.  Not  that  Mr.  Shepard 
was  a  teetotaler,  but  he  cared  Httle  for  strong  Hquors. 

But  I  must  leave  for  another  chapter  a  description 
of  the  man  and  his  ways.  It  would  be  hard  indeed  to 
tell  what  the  man  was  like  as  he  stood  there  in  the 
storm  fastening  the  lower  buttons  of  his  great  coat. 
He  paused  one  moment  to  adjust,  more  closely,  his 
comforter  about  his  head,  and  then  stepped  out  in  the 
storm. 

He  had  hardly  gone  a  dozen  yards  when  he  heard 
a  voice  call :   "  Stop,  sir,  please  stop !  " 

He  turned  and  saw  standing  in  the  dim  light  of  the 
store  window,  a  tall,  broad-shouldered  man,  thinly 
clad  and  shivering  with  cold. 

"  I  beg  your  pardon,  sir,"  exclaimed  the  stranger, 
"  but  would  you  please  take  pity  on  a  poor  devil,  and 
give  him  enough  to  pay  for  a  supper  and  a  bed?  Don't 
think  I  want  it  for  drink,  sir.  I  am  a  drunkard  and 
waste  all  my  money,  but  I  never  beg  money  for  drink, 
as  bad  as  I  am.  I  would  not  ask  money  for  a  bed  if 
I  knew  where  to  find  a  shed.  I  am  a  stranger  here 
and  have  walked  a  long  distance  to-day,  and  I  am 
hungry  and  tired." 

The  pleading  voice  and  the  pitiful  look  went  right 
to  the  heart  of  Mr.  Shepard,  for  he  saw  by  the  dim 
light  that  this  was  no  common  beggar.  He  took  five 
dollars  from  his  purse  and  asked  the  stranger  if  he 
had  come  to  camp  after  work.  The  stranger  said  he 
had,  and  would  take  anything  he  could  get. 

"  Well,  take  this,  my  good  fellow,  and  I  hope  you 
may  strike  something  soon.  You  see  that  light  over 
there,  that  is  our  hotel.  I  advise  you  to  go  to  it  at 
once  and  keep  away  from  the  saloons.  Never  mind 
thanks ;  you  are  quite  welcome.  I  bid  you  good 
night/'    And  Mr.  Shepard  started  off  to  the  mine. 


The  Blacksmith. 


CHAPTER  II. 

THE  BLACKSMITH.  '  - 

It  was  the  first  of  December;  the  snow  gHstened 
on  the  mountains,  and  the  deep  bkie  sky  above  made 
a  picture  as  sweet  and  lovely  as  a  poet's  dream.  So 
thought  Mr.  Shepard  as  he  took  a  fond  look  around  at 
the  grand  mountains  and  lovely  sky,  before  he  went  to 
the  works  to  his  engine. 

"  Oh !  "  he  exclaimed,  "  Zion  is  indeed  beautiful !  " 

I  must  inform  my  reader  that  this  was  Utah,  the 
land  of  the  saints. 

"  Yes,"  continued  Mr.  Shepard,  "  this  is  a  beautiful 
land,  and  would  be  a  good  place  to  live  in,  if  it  was 
not  for  the  cursed  priesthood  that  rules  its  people." 

He  spoke  the  last  words  with  much  bitterness. 
Taking  another  fond  look  at  the  lovely  scene,  he  went 
down  to  his  seat  by  the  engine,  and  smiled  to  see  the 
miners  flock  around  the  boiler  to  get  warm. 

The  foreman  comes  and  stands  with  watch  in  hand, 
and  presently  pulls  a  string.  Ah,  there  goes  the 
whi.stle,  and  the  miners,  those  rough  sons  of  toil, 
jump  on  the  cage  and  go  down,  once  more  to  search 
for  the  precious  metals. 

"  Good  morning,  Sammy." 

"  Good  morning,  Mr.  Shepard.  Say,  did  you  know 
weVe  got  a  new  blacksmith." 

"  No;  what's  the  matter  with  George?  " 

"  Oh,  he  got  his  back  up  and  quit." 

"  Yes?    Is  your  new  man  as  good  as  George? " 


8  An  Old  Dusty 's  Story. 

"  As  good  as  George  ?  I  should  smile ;  why,  he 
beats  George  all  to  pieces !  He  just  knows  how  to 
put  a  bit  on  a  drill.    He's  a  rattler,  you  bet !  " 

"  What  is  his  name,  Sammy,  and  where  does  he 
come  from  ?  " 

"  I  don't  know  where  he  comes  from,  but  they  call 
him  Billy  Thompson." 

When  Mr.  Shepard  went  to  dinner  a  few  minutes 
later  than  the  rest,  it  was  with  no  little  surprise  that 
he  recognized  in  the  new  blacksmith,  who  sat  opposite 
him,  the  stranger  of  the  stormy  night.  The  stranger 
did  not  seem  to  know  Mr.  Shepard,  and  how  should 
he,  for  on  the  night  of  the  storm  Mr.  Shepard's  head, 
face  and  beard  were  buried  in  coat,  comforter  and 
cap. 

''  I  w^ill  thank  you  for  the  potatoes,  John." 

The  blacksmith  started;  he  had  heard  that  voice 
before.  He  hurriedly  finished  his  dinner  and  left  the 
table.  When  Mr.  Shepard  went  down  to  the  works, 
he  found  the  blacksmith  standing  by  the  engine. 

He  said :  ''  I  beg  your  pardon,  sir,  but  are  you 
not  the  gentleman  who  gave  me  the  five  dollars  on 
the  stormy  night  ?  " 

*'  I  had  that  pleasure,  sir." 

"  Then  allow  me  to  thank  you  for  that  great  kind- 
ness, and  believe  me,  I  shall  ever  be  grateful  to  you  for 
the  same." 

"  Do  not  mention  it  again,  for  I  am  truly  glad  to 
have  helped  a  fellow-being  in  distress." 

"  I  thank  you,  and  would  you  please  honor  me  by 
giving  me  your  name  ?  " 

**  My  name  is  Wm.  C.  Shepard,  and  what  is  your 
name  ?  " 

"  My  name  is  William  Thompson." 

"  I  hope,  Mr.  Thompson,  that  we  may  become  better 
acquainted." 

I  must  now  give  my  reader  some  idea  of  the  per- 


The  Blacksmith.  9 

sonal  appearance  of  William  Thompson.  He  was 
full  six  feet  high,  well  built  and  muscular,  but  not 
stout.  His  head  was  rather  small  for  the  size  of  the 
man.  He  had  light  hair,  large  round  blue  eyes,  and  a 
fine  full  beard.  His  eyes  had  a  rather  restless,  startled 
look,  and  his  face  showed  traces  of  dissipation  and 
much  mental  trouble.  Still,  he  was  considered  a  very 
handsome  man.  It  would  be  hard  to  tell  his  age. 
"  Thirty-five  or  forty,"  thought  Mr.  Shepard,  for  he 
had  noticed  a  few  gray  hairs  in  Mr.  Thompson's 
beard. 

Thompson  was  a  great  favorite  with  the  boys,  for  he 
was  always  ready  with  a  joke  or  a  story,  and  when 
work  was  over  would  give  them  a  tune  or  a  song. 
He  played  the  guitar  well  and  had  a  splendid  voice, 
and  could  have  made  more  money  from  his  musical 
attainments  than  he  could  earn  at  the  anvil.  He  was 
indeed  what  the  boys  called  a  *'  jolly  good  fellow." 


lo  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 


CHAPTER  III. 

THE  ENGINEER. 

I  INTRODUCE  Air.  Shepard  once  more  to  my  readers. 
He  is  also  a  tall  man,  but  very  slim,  not  nearly  as  tall 
or  large  as  Mr.  Thompson.  He  had  brown  eyes  and 
hair,  and  was  fairly  good-looking,  but  no  one  thought 
of  calling  him  handsome.  He  had  a  long  thin  beard, 
of  which  he  was  very  proud.  As  his  build  indicated, 
he  was  of  nervous,  sanguine  temperament,  and  was 
lighter-footed  and  more  active  at  forty  years  of  age 
than  many  young  men.  He  had  been  something  of  an 
athlete  in  his  younger  days  and  was  as  straight  as  an 
arrow.  But  now,  after  years  of  hard  work  and  heavy 
lifting,  his  shoulders  had  begun  to  get  round,  and  his 
step,  though  quick  and  light,  was  not  so  firm  as  of 
old.  My  reader  will  perhaps  think  he  was  not  a 
ladies'  man  at  any  rate.  Quite  right.  Still,  he  was 
always  a  favorite  with  the  women,  even  when  he  was 
a  boy ;  they  always  treated  him  kindly  and  with  more 
consideration  than  the  other  boys.  When  a  boy  he 
was  very  quiet  and  shy,  and  now  was  quiet,  courteous 
and  kind.  No  noisy  boaster  was  he,  neither  was  he  a 
cipher.  He  had  opinions  of  his  own  on  all  passing 
events  and  was  a  great  reader  and  deep  thinker.  He 
hated  tyranny  and  oppression,  and  would  speak  most 
bitterly  against  injustice  of  any  kind.  He  had  suf- 
fered from  abuse  and  injustice,  but  few  knew  it. 
While  quick  to  speak  of  the  wrongs  of  others,  he  had 
Jittle  to  say  of  his  Qwn.     It  was  through  dbMM  and 


The  Engineer.  ii 

injustice  that  he  came  to  be  an  engineer.  He  was  a 
flour  miller  by  trade,  and  had  run  a  mill  in  one  of 
the  Mormon  settlements  for  several  years.  When  the 
Mormon  boycott  was  started  he  had  to  go  to  make 
room  for  a  man  who  would  pay  his  tithing  and  support 
the  church. 

He  would  have  cared  little  for  that  if  they  had  been 
decent  about  it.  The  mill  owner  liked  him  well  and 
did  not  wish  to  let  him  go,  and  for  more  than  a  year 
some  of  the  bigots  abused  and  invented  all  they  could 
think  of  against  him. 

Some  of  the  scurvy  Gentiles  took  up  the  cry  and 
howled  themselves  hoarse. 

Mr.  Shepard  had  done  more  for  the  town  than  any 
miller  they  ever  had.  He  had  taken  their  run-down 
old  mill,  whose  flour  would  not  sell  in  their  own 
store,  and  worked  the  flour  up  to  a  high  standard 
and  made  a  demand  for  it  a  hundred  miles  away.  He 
had  given  employment  to  many  of  their  poor  men. 
He  had  let  them  have  feed,  flour,  and  money  when  in 
want  and  distress.  He  had  lost  hundreds  of  dollars 
by  giving  them  work  when  he  did  not  need  them. 
He  had  paid  them  thousands  of  dollars  for  grain, 
and  thereby  he  helped  the  town  and  county.  But  all 
this  was  ignored  and  forgotten,  and  they  tried  to  make 
him  out  a  very  devil,  when  he  was  one  of  the  most 
unselfish  and  harmless  men  amongst  them.  He  was 
benevolent  and  generous  to  a  fault.  When,  through 
the  effects  of  the  boycot,  his  business  fell  off  and  he 
had  to  economize  and  stop  trusting  and  had  to  ask 
for  money  due,  then  the  poor  Mormon  devils  joined 
in  with  the  fanatics  to  abuse  and  misrepresent  him. 
And  when  they  met  to  talk  about  their  betters,  such 
expressions  as  these  could  be  heard :  *'  The  miller  is 
doing  too  well.  The  miller  is  getting  rich.  The 
miller  is  getting  too  much  property.  The  miller  is 
too  proud  and  high-toned,"  etc.,  etc, 


12  An  Old  Dusty 's  Story. 

High-toned  and  proud  indeed  was  Mr.  Shepard 
in  the  truest  sense  of  the  word.  But  it  was  not  false 
pride,  hke  much  that  we  see.  He  was  too  high-toned 
to  get  drunk  and  he  in  the  ditch,  hke  some  Mormon 
bishops  and  elders  have  done.  He  was  too  high-toned, 
when  working  in  the  canon,  to  kill  some  poor  man's 
fat  calf,  eat  the  flesh  and  burn  the  hide,  like  some 
Mormon  youths  have  done.  He  was  too  high-toned 
to  stand  on  the  corner  and  make  nasty  remarks  about 
passing  women,  like  many  young  saints  and  some  old 
ones  often  do.  He  was  too  high-toned  to  lounge 
around  the  stores  and  gape  at  every  one  who  came  to 
purchase.  Why  the  storekeepers  allow  such  a 
shameful  nuisance  I  can  not  tell ;  but  if  they  knew  the 
feelings  of  some  of  the  women  in  regard  to  it,  they 
would,  to  use  a  mining  phrase,  "  fire  every  son-of-a- 
gun "  into  the  street.  Mr.  Shepard's  pride  was  of 
the  kind  that  made  him  particular  to  pay  his  debts. 
He  was  too  proud  to  do  a  dishonorable  act,  but  not 
too  proud  when  out  riding  for  business  or  pleasure  to 
take  up  some  poor  fellow  "  footing  it  "  to  or  from 
the  mines  and  give  him  a  lift  on  his  weary  road.  No 
one  left  his  door  without  something.  Even  the  In- 
dians got  their  scoop  of  flour,  and  they  would  say: 
"  You  good  man,  you  no  Mormon." 

In  their  execrable  meanness,  some  of  these  saints 
(God  save  the  word)  had  instructed  the  Indians  not 
to  go  to  his  mill,  "  for  he  is  a  Gentile  and  will 
cheat." 

I  must  inform  my  readers  that  the  Indians  are  also 
Mormons,  but  I  do  not  know  if  they  "  button  their 
drawers  around  their  necks,"  not  having  seen  their 
washing.  But,  "  Lo,  the  poor  Indian,"  got  things 
mixed  and  gave  their  meanness  away.  There  were 
two  millers  in  the  place,  but  the  Mormon  miller  had 
not  been  very  kind  or  liberal  to  the  Indians,  and  they, 
not  knowing  which  was  the  Gentile,  naturally  thought 


The  Engineer.  13 

Shepard  the  Mormon,  as  he  had  treated  them  the  best. 
They  brought  their  httle  grist  to  Mr.  Shepard  and 
said  to  him  :  "  Man  at  other  mill  no  good,  him  Gentile. 
Bishop  tell  Inguns  not  go  there,  he  heep  cheat." 

Mr.  Shepard  enjoyed  the  joke,  but  it  showed  him 
the  utter  baseness  of  the  Mormon  heart.  He  had 
accumulated  some  property,  but  it  was  by  hard  toil 
and  fair  dealing.  He  had  often  run  the  mill  alone 
from  Monday  morning  until  Saturday  night,  run  it 
night  and  day,  not  taking  his  clothes  off,  but  took  his 
sleep  in  short  naps  as  best  he  could.  Is  it  any  wonder 
his  shoulders  are  rounding?  The  wonder  is  that  the 
man  was  not  broken  down  all  together.  His  property 
was  in  bad  shape,  and  debt  and  mortgage  made  the 
prospect  of  idleness  very  unpleasant.  Mr.  Shepard 
had  been  very  careless  in  business,  he  had  borrowed 
money  at  heavy  interest,  bought  grain  and  ground  it 
and  let  it  go  all  around  without  security. 

Before  the  boycot  started  he  had  been  proud  to  say : 
"  I  have  not  refused  any  one  a  sack  of  flour  or  feed 
since  I  came  to  this  place." 

While  that  was  very  nice  in  theory,  he  found  it  bad 
in  practice,  and  the  long  list  of  bad  names  on  his  books 
told  him  it  would  not  do.  So  at  the  time  he  left  the 
mill  his  affairs  were  in  bad  condition. 

Just  before  he  left,  a  friend  came  from  near  Salt 
Lake  and  brought  his  son-in-law  with  him.  "  A  man 
of  means,"  he  said,  "  and  operating  mines  in  the 
north.  If  Mr.  Shepard  wanted  anything  of  this  kind, 
he  would  give  him  a  very  good  job." 

They  left  with  the  understanding  that  Mr.  Shepard 
should  take  charge  of  one  of  the  mines  at  good  wages. 
Having  moved  from  the  mill  to  his  own  home  and 
made  his  family  comfortable,  Mr.  Shepard  was  ready 
for  the  north  at  a  day's  notice.  Some  days  later,  Mr. 
Shepard  got  the  following  letter: 


14  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

"  C i8— 

"  Friend  William  : 

"  I  have  just  heard  from  my  son-in-law,  George 
Blackman.  He  will  give  us  all  the  work  we  want  at 
good  wages,  and  if  we  want  to  prospect  he  will  put 
us  on  to  some  good  claims.  Bring  your  team  and 
wagon  and  what  tools  you  have.  Will  take  everything 
else  from  here.     Ever  your  friend, 

"John  Burnwood.'' 


The  Journey.  15 


CHAPTER  IV. 

THE  JOURNEY. 

Mr.  Shepard  paid  his  interest  and  fixed  things  so 
that  all  would  be  well  for  three  months,  and  was  ready 
to  start  on  the  second  day  after  receiving  the  letter. 
After  a  most  affectionate  and  sorrowful  parting  from 
his  wife  and  little  ones,  he  started  north,  and,  though 
grieving  much  at  the  separation  from  his  family,  he 
kept  a  brave  heart,  hoping  it  was  for  the  best,  and 
that  it  would  not  be  many  months  before  he  could  pay 
his  debts  and  be  able  to  come  back  and  live  on  his 
own  fann.  The  hope  of  Mr.  Shepard  through  the 
past  year's  toil  had  been  that  some  day  he  would  be 
able  to  make  a  living  from  his  land  and  stock  and 
not  work  for  any  man.  He  would  say :  "  No  matter 
how  good  a  master  may  be,  it  is  better  to  be  your  own 
master." 

A  very  independent  man  was  Mr.  Shepard,  and  noth- 
ing galled  him  so  much  as  to  depend  on  the  whim  or 
caprice  of  another. 

-When  he  reached  C ,  he  found  Mr.  Burnwood 

in  high  spirits.  Said  he :  **  William,  we  shall  make 
a  big  raise  in  the  north,  for  George  has  plenty  of 
claims  and  will  put  us  on  to  something  rich." 

Mr.  Shepard  replied :  "  I  do  not  expect  anything 
big,  and  if  I  get  good  wages  for  good,  hard  work,  I 
shall  be  satisfied." 

"  You  will  get  that,  my  boy,  and  more  too;  just  see 
if  you  don't.  But  we  must  do  some  prospecting,  you 
know." 


i6  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

"  Well,  I  do  not  mind  a  day  occasionally,  and  we 
can  go  out  on  .Sundays  and  look  around ;  but  I  want 
to  work  and  cannot  afford  to  prospect  all  the  time." 

*'  Why,  William,  is  it  not  better  to  take  your  own 
ore  out  and  sell  it  than  to  take  ore  out  for  another  and 
get  only  wages  ?  " 

''  Certainly  it  is,  if  we  had  it,  but  getting  it  to  take 
out  is  the  thing." 

**  Oh,  we  shall  get  it,  for  George  has  plenty  of  it. 
He  has  one  vein  fifteen  feet  wide  of  solid  ore,  and 
another  fifty  feet  wide  of  good  ore.  Won't  that  pav 
well?" 

"  Yes,  John,  it  ought  to,  and  I  would  be  satisfied 
with  six  inches  of  good  ore,  and  make  it  pay,  too." 

"  Well,  we  shall  'get  it,  and  my  son  Harry  will  go 
in  with  us  and  take  one-third  and  pay  one-third  of 
the  expenses." 

Mr.  Shephard  smiled  and  asked :  "  Will  not  the 
mines  pay  their  own  expenses  with  all  that  ore  ?  " 

*'  Yes,  of  course.  But  I  mean  until  the  time  we 
make  a  shipment." 

Mr.  Shepard  and  Harry  Burn  wood  had  been  boys 
together  and  life-long  friends,  and  many  a  jolly  time 
had  they  seen.  Harry,  before  marriage,  was  very 
fond  of  a  spree,  and  more  than  once  had  Mr.  Shep- 
ard seen  him  home  safely.  One  time  they  took  a  trip 
to  Salt  Lake,  at  that  time  some  twenty  miles  from 
their  home.  They  took  the  train  home,  and  when 
about  five  miles  out  the  warm  car  caused  Harry  to 
vomit,  he  having  drank  pretty  freely.  When  he  drew 
his  head  in  from  the  window,  a  terrible  look  of  despair 
came  over  his  face.  Mr.  Shepard  said  in  alarm: 
"  What  is  the  matter,  Harry  ?  " 

And  Harry  lisped,  "  1  have  lost  my  teeth !  " 

Mr.  Shephard  looked  and  sure  enough  his  upper 
front  teeth  were  gone.  They  had  been  pitched  over- 
board with  the  beer.     At  the  first  station  Mr.  Shep- 


The  Journey.  i7 

hard  proposed  they  should  walk  back,  which  they  did, 
and  very  carefully  examined  the  ground  as  they  went 
along.  After  about  a  five-mile  walk,  Harry  bent 
down  as  quick  as  a  flash,  and  standing  on  one  foot, 
he  held  something  about  nine  feet  in  the  air,  and  ex- 
claimed :  "  By  Hades,  I  have  found  them !  " 

After  a  hearty  laugh,  the  friends  started  home  and 
were  soon  overtaken  by  a  wagon,  which  took  them 
within  a  few  miles  of  home.  They  walked  the  rest 
of  the  way  and  arrived  safely  home  after  midnight. 

"  Say,  Harry,"  said  Mr.  Shepard,  "  how  about  this 
prospecting?  Your  father  says  you  want  to  go  in 
with  us." 

"  Yes,  I  will  take  a  third  of  what  you  find." 

"  All  right,  then,  that  Is  settled.  When  shall  we 
start,  John  ?  " 

"  Day  after  to-morrow.  I  see  your  wagon  is  too 
small  and  light  for  our  load,  so  I  will  go  up  to  Salt 
Lake  and  get  a  nevt  one." 

"  Can  we  not  make  this  one  do  ?  We  need  not  take 
much  but  bedding." 

"  No,  it  is  too  small,  for  I  want  to  take  some  stuff 
to  George.  I  will  get  a  new  one.  I  shall  need  it 
when  I  come  down  from  the  North.  I  intend  to  buy 
a  span  of  horses  and  some  harness  and  give  the  out- 
fit to  Ben,  for  he  is  a  good  boy.  We  will  take  Ben 
with  us  and  he  can  cook  and  do  the  chores.  We  will 
drive  to  Salt  Lake  to-morrow  and  I  will  get  the 
wagon." 

The  next  day  our  friends  were  at  the  warehouses  of 
Mr.  Long.  Looking  over  the  wagons  Mr.  Burn  wood 
said,  "This  one  is  just  the  thing  we  need!  I  shall 
take  it.     Mr.  Long,  what  is  the  price  of  this  wagon?  " 

"  That  wagon  is  worth  ninety  dollars  cash  down." 

"What  is  the  price  on  time?" 

"How  much  time?" 

"  Well,  say  six  months." 

3 


1 8  An  Old  Dusty 's  Story. 

"  I  cannot  do  it,  sir.  We  only  get  four  months  on 
them  ourselves." 

"  Four  months  will  do,  I  will  take  it  on  those  terms." 

"  How  much  can  you  pay  down  ?  " 

"  I  cannot  pay  anything  down,  but  can  settle  in  four 
months." 

"  Well,  wait  a  minute  and  I  will  see  what  can  be 
done." 

Mr.  Long  stepped  into  the  office.  He  returned 
almost  immediately  and  said :  ''  I  am  sorry,  sir,  but 
I  cannot  do  anything  for  you  to-day." 

The  friends  walked  off  and  Mr.  Burnwood  looked 
very  blue.  As  they  stepped  on  the  sidewalk,  he  said: 
"  I  felt  sure  of  getting  a  wagon  from  Mr.  Long,  and  I 
don't  think  it  is  any  use  to  see  the  other  dealers." 

"  Well,  had  we  not  better  make  my  wagon  do?  " 

"  No,  it  is  not  large  enough.  We  must  have  a  new 
one.  I  guess  Harry  could  get  one,  but  we  shall  lose 
a  day  or  two  by  waiting." 

**  If  you  must  have  one,  John,  I  will  see  what  I  can 
do.  Llere  comes  Mr.  Long,  going  to  dinner  no  doubt. 
When  you  want  a  favor,  ask  your  man  after  he  has 
had  a  good  dinner — then  he  is  likely  to  feel  well  sat- 
isfied with  himself  and  everybody  else.  Excuse  me, 
Mr.  Long,"  and  Mr.  Shepard  handed  his  card  to  that 
gentleman. 

"  Why,  how  do  you  do,  Mr.  Shepard.  Did  you  wish 
to  endorse  with  Mr.   Burnwood?" 

"  Yes,  or  I  will  give  you  my  note." 

"  All  right,  come  in  the  office.  Johnny,  let  Mr. 
Burnwood  have  the  wagon,  and  Mr.  Shepard  will  sign 
with  him.     When  will  you  take  it,  gents  ?  " 

"  In  about  an  hour  we  shall  be  ready  to  start." 

"  Very  good,  see  the  bows  and  cover  are  put  on, 
Johnny." 

And  Mr.  Long  sauntered  off  to  dinner.  The 
friends  left  well  pleased — Mr.  Burnwood  at  getting 


The  Journey.  i<) 

the  wagon,  and  Mr.  Shepard  at  being  able  to  do 
a  favor  for  his  old  friend.  It  took  most  of  the 
next  day  to  load  and  get  things  in  shape,  and  they 
found  the  new  wagon  well  fir.ed.  Harry  Burnwood 
called  Mr.  Shepard  to  one  side  before  they  started 
and  said :  "  William,  when  you  get  up  there  I  want 
you  to  inform  me  how  you  find  things.  We  don't 
know  much  about  George.  He  came  here  prospecting 
a  year  ago.  and  called  at  the  store.  Father  found  he 
wais  the  Blackman  that  had  written  some  scientific 
articles  for  his  favorite  paper,  and  they  became  great 
friends  at  once.  He  married  Grace,  as  you  know, 
last  winter*,  and  that  is  all  we  know  of  him." 

"  I  shall  write  vou  an  account  of  things,  just  as  I 
find  them." 

"  I  know  you  will,  old  friend,  and  that  is  the  reason 
I  ask  you,  for  I  could  hardly  depend  on  father  writ- 
ing everything." 

Good-byes  again,  and  the  friends  started  on  their 
long  journey.  After  about  an  hour's  drive  they  came 
to  some  heavy  road,  and  Mr.  Burnwood  said:  "  Wil- 
liam, let  us  walk,  it  will  help  the  team,  and  Ben  can 
drive." 

They  soon  passed  over  the  heavy  road,  but  walked 
on  as  it  was  a  lovely  day. 

"By  George!  John,"  said  Mr.  Shepard,  "we  must 
hurry  or  the  team  will  be  out  of  sight.  ' 

It  was  a  fact,  for  Ben,  thinking  himself  a  great 
teamster,  had  put  the  whip  to  the  horses  and  was  spin- 
ning along  forgetful  of  those  behind.  They  called 
and  whistled  to  stop  him,  but  he  heard  them  not. 
They  had  a  chase  of  four  or  five  miles  in  the  hot  sun 
before   they   caught   the   team.      They   camped   that 

night  at  the  town  of  B and  their  horses  were 

jaded  by  their  long,  hard  drive.  That  night  Mr.  Burn- 
wood had  the  blues,  and  was  very  homestck.  He  had 
not  been  away  from  home  a  day  for  years,  and  he 


^o  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

felt  it  very  much.  He  had  also  lost  his  place  in  the 
store,  through  the  Mormon  boy  cot,  and  must  move  or 
starve.  He  had  been  a  great  friend  of  the  Mormons 
in  the  past,  and  though  not  a  Mormon,  had  at  one 
time  been  in  partnership  with  the  Bishop,  and  was 
loved  and  respected  by  many.  Mr.  Burnwood  was 
large-hearted  and  open-handed,  and  had  always  been 
ready  to  help  the  needy  and  distressed.  In  addition 
to  this  he  had  paid  his  tithing  for  many  years  as 
freely  as  the  best  of  them.  But  all  this  time  he  was 
quietly  teaching  free  thought,  and  when  it  came  to  be 
known  by  the  bishops  and  other  leaders,  he  was  looked 
upon  as  a  devil,  and  not  fit  to  live  amongst  the  saints. 
His  kindly  nature  was  forgotten,  the  tithing  he  had 
paid  did  not  count.  "  He  is  an  enemy,"  they  said, 
"  we  will  not  have  him !  He  is  a  cursed  Gentile,  turn 
him  out !  " 

And  when  he  was  turned  out  he  had  neither  money 
nor  home  and  was  in  debt.  What  he  had  not  given 
away,  the  Mormon  rogues  had  got  away  with.  This 
was  his  condition  after  twenty  years  of  toil.  It  may 
be  Mr.  Long  knew  this,  when  he  refused  him  the 
wagon. 

Days  have  passed  and  we  now  find  our  friends 
camped  on  that  fine  old  stream,  Snake  River.  And 
right  glad  were  they  to  have  gotten  so  far  along.  It 
had  been  a  hard  trip,  and  every  night  one  of  the  horses 
gave  out,  but  recovered  by  morning,  to  travel  another 
day  and  give  out  again.  This  was  her  first  trip,  and 
for  a  young  animal,  she  did  remarkably  well. 

I  doubt  if  any  other  two  men,  heads  of  families 
as  these  men  were,  ever  started  on  a  three  hundred 
and  fifty  mile  journey  so  badly  prepared.  Mr.  Burn- 
wood  proposed  to  furnish  supplies,  and  his  good  wife 
put  up  a  gallon  of  butter,  about  as  much  honey,  a  few 
pies  and  a  few  days'  supply  of  bread.  They  had  plenty 
of  flour,  some  sugar  and  yeast,  and  a  smaiU  sack  of 


The  Journey.  2t 

meal.  They  had  very  Httle  money,  and  when  they 
reached  Mr.  Blackman,  they  had  only  seventy-five 
cents  left.  But  there  was  no  complaining.  These  men 
who  had  left  good  homes,  and  had  lived  on  the  best 
of  food  for  years,  and  slept  on  the  softest  of  beds, 
lay  on  the  ground  and  ate  their  dry  graham  bread 
without  a  murmur.  Mr.  Shepard  had  taken  hooks 
and  lines,  and  it  was  but  a  short  time  before  he  and 
the  boy  were  bringing  out  some  of  Snake  River's  fine 
fish.  They  laughed  to  see  the  suckers  bite,  but  they 
had  yet  to  learn  that  the  greatest  suckers  were  stand- 
ing on  the  bank.  That  night  they  made  supper  of 
boiled  fish,  not  being  able  to  cook  them  any  other  way. 
They  had  no  bread  that  night,  for  that  day  they  had 
given  their  last  loaf  to  an  Indian  they  met  on  the  way. 
Next  morning  they  started  to  cross  the  desert  and  had 
only  one  gallon  keg  of  water,  but  they  expected  to 
reach  Clear  Lake  that  night.  They  had  been  told 
of  a  '*  cut-oflf "  that  would  save  them  some  miles,  and 
following  instructions  as  near  as  they  could,  they  took 
the  road  to  the  left,  and  jogged  along  feeling  happy 
that  three  days  more  would  take  them  to  their  new 
home. 

Mr.  Shepard  intended  if  he  found  things  as  repre- 
sented to  make  it  his  permanent  home.  He  would  sell 
out  his  place  in  Utah  and  leave  that  priest-ridden  ter- 
ritory forever. 

He  said  to  his  friend :  "  I  do  not  wish  to  cross  the 
Snake  River  again  until  I  can  go  back  and  pay  my 
debts.  I  love  my  wife  and  little  ones  dearly,  and  it 
pained  me  very  much  to  be  absent  from  them,  but  I  do 
not  feel  like  crossing  that  river  until  I  can  go  back  a 
free  man." 

Mr.  Burnwood  said :  "  You  will  soon  be  able  to  do 
that,  for  George  will  see  us  all  right." 

**  John,"  said  Mr.   Shepard,  "  this  road  does  not 


22  An  Old  Dusty's  Stor}^ 

seem  to  be  traveled  much,  can  it  be  possible  that  we 
are  on  the  wrong  road  ?  " 

''  I  g-uess  not,  for  we  took  the  first  road  to  the  left 
as  instructed,  but  still  the  road  does  seem  dim." 

*'  Yes,  John,  it  is  dim,  and  it  now  takes  off  through 
the  sage  brush,  and  I  am  afraid  we  are  off  our  road." 

A  mile  or  so  more  over  knolls  and  then  down  a 
hollow,  and  Mr.  Shepard  said: 

"  This  will  not  do,  John ;  the  fact  is,  we  are  lost, 
and  we  had  better  stop  the  team  here  and  look  for  the 
road.  This  wagon  track  is  taking  us  west,  and  we 
should  go  north.  We  had  better  find  the  road  or  go 
back  before  our  horses  give  out." 

"  All  right,  William,  but  this  shall  be  a  lesson  to  me, 
never  to  take  cut-offs  again." 

"  We  were  confounded  fooHsh  to  leave  the  main 
road,  when  in  a  strange  country  with  only  a  gallon 
of  water.  If  we  had  kept  the  road  we  would  have  got 
water  to-night.  I  will  go  North  and  3^ou  can  go  down 
the  hollow  and  see  if  there  is  any  road."  Mr.  Shepard 
had  walked  about  a  mile  over  sage  brush  and  rocks, 
but  saw  no  sign  of  a  road.  Going  to  a  knoll 
he  looked  around  and  sa.w  a  wagon,  about  a  mile 
and  a  half  south-west  of  where  he  stood.  He  saw 
their  mistake  at  once,  for  this  wagon  was  one  they  had 
pased  at  noon  the  day  before,  and  the  driver  had  told 
them  that  he  was  going  near  to  Blackman's  Mines,  but 
would  not  start  until  next  mornhig.  And  there  he 
was  traveling  north,  and  by  the  time  our  friends 
reached  the  road  he  would  be  some  miles  ahead,  and 
indeed  that  was  the  last  they  saw  of  him. 

Mr.  Shepard  went  back  on  a  run  and  bounded  over 
the  brush  like  a  deer.  Mr.  Burnwood  had  also  seen 
the  wagon  and  was  whistling  for  Mr.  Shepard. 

"  We  must  have  passed  the  road  yesterday,"  said 
Mr.  Burnwood,  when  Mr.  Shepard  came  up  to  him. 

"  Yes,  and  we  like  fools  have  spent  half  a  day  to  get 


The  Journey.  23 

to  it.  But  I  am  very  glad  to  have  seen  that  team, 
for  I  began  to  think  we  should  have  to  go  back,  and 
1  hate  like  the  devil  to  have  to  turn  back  from  any- 
thing.   Now  we  will  go  down  to  the  road." 

And  such  a  road  it  was  when  they  found  it.  They 
had  come  over  the  brush  when  the  road  so  far  was 
good.  And  now  it  was  rock,  miles  of  rock.  Large 
stones  and  small  stones,  and  it  was  jolt,  jolt,  jolt. 
They  had  come  slowly  before,  but  now  they  barely  crept 
along.  "  Let  us  stop  and  have  dinner,"  said  Mr.  Shep- 
ard.  **  We  seem  to  be  over  the  worst  of  the  road,  and 
the  team  needs  rest.  Start  a  fire,  Ben,  and  I  will  see 
to  the  horses." 

"  By  George,"  said  Mr.  Burnwood,  "  we  have 
hardly  bread  enough  for  dinner !  " 

"  1  think  it  will  do,"  said  Mr.  Shepard,  "  but  we 
shall  be  in  a  fix  if  we  do  not  make  Clear  Lake  to- 
night." 

**  Take  another  cup  of  tea,  William,  we  will  get 
there,  you'll  see." 

**  I  think  so,  John,  for  I  believe  the  road  will  be 
better  now." 

Away  they  went  again,  the  men  on  foot  and  the  boy 
driving. 

"  I  am  glad,"  said  Mr.  Burnwood,  "  that  we  have 
got  rid  of  the  rocks." 

**  So  am  I,  John,  but  by  the  Lord  Harry !  is  that  not 
sand  before  us  ?  " 

"  It  looks  like  it,  William,  but  I  hope  not." 

A  little  further,  and  they  were  in  the  sand. 

"  That  won't  amount  to  much ! "  exclaimed  Mr. 
Burnwood,   when   they  got  over  it. 

**  No,  John,  we  can  get  along  if  it  becomes  no 
worse." 

But  worse  it  got ;  for  soon  they  were  over  the  roll- 
ing ground ;  and  a  level  plain  lay  before  them,  with 
sand  as  far  as  the  eye  could  reach.     They  stopped 


24  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

every  few  rods  to  rest  their  horses  and  then  beat  them 
on  again. 

At  last  the  young  mare  fell  to  the  ground ;  she  had 
given  out  and  could  go  no  further. 

Said  Mr.  Shepard,  "  It  is  no  use,  John,  we  must 
take  the  harness  off  now.  Get  up,  little  Faithful,  it  is  a 
shame  to  have  driven  you  so  far." 

'*  What  shall  we  do,  William  ?  " 

"  Let  the  horses  rest  a  little  and  then  Ben  can  ride 
Belle  and  lead  Faithful  to  water." 

Ben  had  been  gone  a  long  time,  when  Mr.  Burn- 
wood  said :  "  Ben  ought  to  be  back  by  this,  I  shall  go 
after  him."    And  Mr.  Shepard  was  left  alone. 

The  sun  went  down,  and  Mr.  Shepard  sat  in  the 
wagon  thinkins:  of  his  wife  and  little  ones.  Darkness 
came  on  and  he  thought  it  strange  that  Mr.  Burnwood 
did  not  return. 

*'  Surely  water  could  not  be  so  far  away  as  to  take 
all  this  time  to  reach  it,"  he  thought.  He  did  not  care 
about  being  alone.  To  sleep  there  that  night  had  no 
terrors  for  him.  To  go  without  supper  did  not  trouble 
him.  But  he  did  think  they  would  have  brought  him 
some  water  to  slake  his  burning  thirst. 

Ah,  was  not  that  a  voice,  listen ! 

"  Get  up !  " 

Yes,  there  it  was  again,  and  a  few  minutes  later  Ben 
rode  up  with  the  horses. 

"What  kept  you  so  long?"  asked  Mr.  Shepard. 

"  I  found  Will  James  at  the  lake ;  he  used  to  live  at 
our  place,  and  he  wanted  me  to  stop  for  supper,  and 
I  had  a  good  one,  you  bet." 

"  Where  is  your  father?  " 

"  He  stopped  at  the  lake  with  the  men."  • 

"  Well,  let  me  have  the  keg." 

"  I  forgot  all  about  it  and  left  it  at  the  lake." 

"  You  are  a  fine  fellow  to  send  for  water,  to  be  sure. 
For  a  seventeen-year-old  boy,  you  are  the  most  care- 


The  Journey.  25 

less  and  forgetful  that  I  know  of.  Help  me  put  the 
harness  on  and  we  will  go.    How  far  is  it  to  water  ?  '* 

**  I  don't  know,  but  father  thinks  it  about  four 
miles." 

They  started,  but  the  team  wjas  too  weak  to  go  far. 
Sometimes  they  would  not  go  more  then  ten  feet. 
About  half  way  they  were  met  by  Mr.  Burnwood,  who 
had  brought  the  keg  of  water  along,  and  Will  James, 
who  rode  a  mule. 

He  said :  "  I  would  have  brought  a  team  but  we 
had  turned  them  out  when  Ben  came  up.  I  will  hitch 
on  the  tongue,  and  help  you  along." 

And  he  came  just  in  time,  for  the  poor  jaded  horses 
could  not  have  gone  much  further.  They  got  to  camp 
at  half  past  ten  o'clock  and  found  three  large  teams 
bound  for  the  north  with  flour. 

A  Mr.  Reese  had  his  wife  with  him  and  she  had 
kept  supper  wann  for  them.  And  as  Mr.  Shepard 
ate  the  fresh  bread  and  boiled  beans  he  was  thankful 
indeed  to  have  met  such  kind  friends. 

They  traveled  together  next  day  and  at  noon  Mr. 
Reese  gave  our  friends  water  for  their  horses.  Mr. 
Reese  had  recently  been  married  and  he  brought  his 
wife  along  to  cook,  and  he  made  this  trip  a  sort  of 
wedding  tour.  This  was  not  **  love  in  a  cottage," 
but  love  in  a  wagon,  and  I  doubt  not  it  was  just  as 
sweet  as  love  is  in  any  place.  It  was  pleasant  to  see 
them  walk  along  hand  in  hand  through  the  sand ;  and 
amusing  to  see  him  when  he  had  to  let  go  of  her  hand 
to  give  a  lazy  mule  a  kick  or  a  welt.  And  the  blow 
was  more  severe  on  that  account. 

Said  Mr.  Shepard :  '*  There  are  not  many  such  wed- 
ding tours  as  this  one.  But  love  is  just  as  warm  in 
their  hearts,  though  their  faces  are  brown  and  tanned 
by  the  sun,  and  their  garments  coarse  and  covered 
with  dust.  I  am  sure  there  is  many  a  bride  in  her  robes 
of  silk,  with  her  gilded  coach,  and  bed  of  down,  with 


26  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

servants  at  her  command,  who  would  rejoice  to  feel 
the  happiness  of  this  hum.ble  bride.  Ah,  Mrs.  Reese, 
your  rest  is  full  as  sweet,  and  your  sleep  as  peaceful 
as  ma.ny  a  bride  in  castle  or  hall,  though  you  make 
your  bed  upon  sacks  of  flour,  in  the  garret  of  a  prairie 
schooner.  Instead  of  being  waited  upon,  you  are 
servant,  but  it  is  a  labor  of  love ;  and  like  a  true  woman 
you  delight  to  attend  to  the  wants  of  your  idol." 

Our  friends  reached  Willow.  Creek  at  half  past 
seven,  and  found  Mr.  Blackman  had  just  left  for  his 
mine,  but  had  given  instructions  to  a  rancher  to  show 
them  the  way.  The  next  morning  our  friends  bade  the 
freighters  good-by,  and  they  arrived  at  Blackman's 
Mine  shortly  after  noon. 


Disappointment.  2^ 


CHAPTER    V. 

DISAPPOINTMENT. 

The  greeting-  on  the  arrival  of  our  friends  was  not 
as  cordial  as  Mr.  Shepard  expected.  Blackman  fixed 
them  a  lunch,  and  after  they  had  chatted  a  little,  he 
showed  them  around,  but  did  not  take  them  in-  the 
mine. 

The  next  day,  Blackman  took  them  to  a  prospect, 
and  said :  "  I  will  give  you  this  claim,  and  I  think  you 
will  get  ore  in  fifty  or  sixty  feet.  You  won't  need 
a  deed.  I  did  not  do  the  assessment  work  last  year, 
so  all  you  have  to  do  is  to  relocate  and  give  it  a  name." 

Mr.  Shepard  found  afterwards  that  this  was  a  way 
Blackman  had  of  holding  some  dozen  claims.  He  had 
owned  them  for  years,  and  had  not  done  fifty  dollars 
worth  of  work  on  the  lot.  It  was  to  relocate  and  re- 
locate, and  it  was  doubtful  if  they  were  ever  put  on 
record.  , 

Mr.  Burnwood  said :  *'  This  is  a  fine  vein,  Wil- 
liam, and  there  ought  to  be  a  big  mine  here." 

"  I  do  not  know,  John.  It  is  pretty  good  vein  matter, 
but  it  is  too  loose  and  broken  up  to  be  called  a  vein." 

"  It  won't  be  broken  when  we  get  down.  Let  us  go 
to  work  on  it,  William.  You  will  see  it  will  come  all 
right." 

"  Not  to-day,  John,  I  prefer  to  look  around  a  little." 

**  Yes,"  said  Blackmari,  "  you  ought  to  prospect 
those  hills." 

And  over  the  hills  our  friends  went,  returning  in  the 
evening  footsore  and  tired. 


28  An  Old  Dusty 's  Story. 

Mr.  Shepard  said :  "  There  is  nothing  here ;  we  left 
better  ground  than  this  at  home." 

Mr.  Shepard  had  a  long  talk  with  Blackman  that 
evening,  and  informed  him  that  he  did  not  come  to 
prospect  but  to  work  for  wages,  and  was  now  ready 
to  go  to  work. 

Blackman  was  very  sorry  but  was  not  prepared  at 
present  to  give  him  work. 

He  said :  "  I  have  bonded  six  claims  to  an  English 
company  for  six  thousand  dollars,  and  their  manager 
is  coming  from  England  with  the  money.  I  have  been 
expecting  him  for  the  last  ten  days.  When  he  comes  I 
shall  be  able  to  give  you  work." 

''  That  being  the  case,  I  will  go  to  work  with  Burn- 
wood  on  the  prospect  until  your  man  comes." 

But  that  night  Mr.  Shepard  was  sorry  he  had  left 
his  home.  A  few  days  later  Blackman  said  to  Burn- 
wood  :  ''  I  have  two  good  claims,  about  eight  miles 
above  here,  and  as  I  have  more  ground  than  I  can 
work,  I  will  give  them  to  you.  There  is  a  prospector 
down  from  the  Nickel  Mine,  and  he  may  go  up  there 
and  find  them.  I  will  go  up  to-morrow  and  locate 
them  if  Mr.  Shepard  will  work  in  my  place." 

*'  Thank  you,  George,"  said  Mr.  Burnwood.  "  I 
knew  you  would  putus  on  tosomethin£;^good,andtold 
William  so.  What  do  you  say,  William,'  about  work- 
ing for  George  to-morrow  ?  " 

"  I  will  do  so,  John,  and  hope  the  claims  are  worth 
working.     What  will  you  call  them  ?  " 

"  You  can  name  one,  William,  and  I  will  name  the 
other." 

"  All  right,  John,  I  will  name  mine  the  Lady  May, 
what  is  yours  ?  " 

"  Mine  shall  be  the  Silver  King." 

.  .  .  •  •  r 

On  the  following  Sunday  a  Mr.  Hartman  came  from 
Little  River,  and  was  a  welcome  guest  at  Blackman's. 


Disappointment.  29 

&fr.  Shepard  found  this  man  to  be  interested  in  the 
sale  of  the  bonded  mines.  It  appeared  he  was  to  be 
superintendent  of  the  new  company,  and  through  him 
Blackman  expected  to  make  the  sale. 

All  correspondence  was  done  by  Mr.  Hartman,  and 
he  brought  some  letters  he  had  received  from  Mr. 
Manton,  the  manager  at  London. 

Blackman  said :  '*  I  thought  Manton  would  have 
been  here  before  this ;  what  detained  him  ?  " 

Hartman  replied :  "  Manton  has  written  to  me, 
stating  he  has  been  detained  by  business,  but  had  now 
got  all  the  affairs  of  the  company  in  working  order. 
He  was  now  waiting  for  samples,  and  would  sail  on 
the  tenth.  He  writes  that  the  company  is  anxious 
to  receive  samples  as  they  wish  to  test  them.  You 
made  a  great  blunder,  George,  in  sending  those  sam- 
ples. You  overdid  the  thing  and  they  are  held  in  New 
York, 'being  too  heavy  for  the  English  mail." 

"  I  am  sorry  for  that,  Hartman,  but  it  is  too  late  to 
do  anything  now." 

The  following  day,  Blackman,  accompanied  by 
Hartman,  paid  the  friends  a  visit  at  their  claim. 

Mr.  Hartman  said :  "  Boys,  you  have  a  fine  thing 
here,  and  will  make  a  mine  of  it  sure." 

"  Do  you  hear  that,  William?  "  said  Mr.  Burnwood. 
"  Have  I  not  told  you  we  had  a  big  thing  here  ?  " 

"  You  have,  John,  but  if  your  big  thing  was  smaller 
and  in  sight,  it  would  suit  this  doubting  Thomas 
better." 

Said  Mr.  Hartman  at  supper  that  evening :  "  I  shall 
leave  in  the  morning;  Mr.  Manton  may  have  come 
and  I  do  not  wish  to  keep  him  waiting.  When  do  you 
move  over,  George  ?  " 

"  In  about  ten  days,  unless  you  send  for  me  before 
then.  But  I  will  go  as  far  as  the  pass  with  you  and 
try  to  get  a  deer,  for  we  need  meat  badly." 


30  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

"  William,"  said  Mr.  Burnwood,  "  George  and  Ben 
ought  to  be  back  to-night;  two  days  should  be  time 
enough  to  get  a  deer." 

''  It  may  be  that  they  went  over  to  Little  River, 
thinking  to  find  Manton  there,  and  I  hope  he  has  come, 
John,  for  I  am  tired  and  sick  of  this." 

"  You  have  been  sick  of  it,  William,  ever  since  we 
started." 

'*  Yes,  I  have,  and  we  are  damn  fools  for  wasting 
our  time  on  such  a  claim.  Neither  one  of  us  is  able 
to  work  a  good  prospect,  let  alone  such  a  poor  thing 
as  this.  Let  us  leave  it  and  look  for  work  that  will 
pay  better." 

''  You  don't  expect  to  get  rich  in  less  than  two 
weeks,  do  you  ?  " 

"  No,  I  do  not,  nor  in  two  years,  or  twenty-two.  in 
a  hole  like  this.  I  did  not  come  expecting  to  get  rich ; 
I  came  to  do  good  hard  work  for  fair  wages,  and  that 
is  all  I  ask." 

"  Well,  William,  you  will  get  it.  George  is  doing 
the  best  he  can." 

**  He  may  be  doing  the  best  he  can  now,  but  he  was 
not  doing  so  when  he  wrote  that  he  would  give  us  all 
the  work  we  wanted,  and  pay  us  good  wages.  Your 
son  Harry  introduced  him  to  me  as  a  capitalist.  He 
told  me  he  was  perfectly  able  to  do  anything  he  prom- 
ised. When  your  son  brought  the  man  to  my  home,  I 
considered  that  sufficient  evidence  of  the  man's  relia- 
bility. I  trusted  you  and  your  son.  I  thought  you 
knew  the  man,  and  that  was  enough  for  me.  I  heard 
in  Salt  Lake  that  Blackman  represented  himself  as  a 
millionaire.  That  was  the  theory,  this  is  the  practice, 
It  puts  me  strongly  in  mind  of  Mormonism." 

*'  William,  what  do  you  mean  ?  " 

"  I  mean  this :  Mormonism  as  taught  away  from 
home,  polygamy  left  out,  is  a  very  nice  thing  for  poor, 
ignorant  people  to  swallow.     Even  bright,  intelligent 


Disappointment.  3 1 

men  and  women  swallow  it  and  think  it  good.  But 
when  they  get  to  '  Zion,'  if  they  are  not  blinded  by 
their  religion,  they  see  what  fools  they  have  been  to 
believe  such  a  mass  of  falsehood.  And  instead  of  a 
heaven  they  find  it  a  hades.  The  promises  made  to  us 
in  Utah  were  very  nice,  but  I  find  them  as  worthless 
as  those  of  a  Mormon  elder.  I  am  not  blinded  by 
Blackmanism,  and  I  can  see  there  has  been  some  '  tall ' 
lying  done  by  some  one." 

"  William,  you  are  too  severe  upon  George ;  he  is 
short  of  /eady  money  just  now,  but  he  has  plenty." 

**  Where  has  he  got  it,  I  would  like  to  know?  " 

"  Why,  in  his  mines,  of  course." 

"  You  mean  in  his  mind,  John,  for  it  is  not  in  his 
mines." 

"  How  do  you  know,  you  have  not  seen  all  of 
them  ?  " 

"  No,  John,  I  have  not,  but  I  judge  from  what  I 
have  seen  and  from  his  condition.  I  do  not  believe 
a  man  who  has  got  good  mines  and  plenty  of  good  ore 
would  live  in  such  a  house  and  fare  as  he  does  here. 
You  know  the  wind  blows  down  the  short  wide  chim- 
ney and  scatters  the  ashes  over  everything.  You  can 
stand  upright  only  in  the  center  of  the  room.  The 
rain  goes  through  on  bed  and  board,  and  all  together 
it  is  the  poorest  excuse  for  a  house  I  ever  saw.  In  fact 
I  have  seen  dugouts  much  better.  Their  food  is  as 
poor  as  the  house.  I  have  made  several  meals  from 
potatoes  and  salt,  and  of  course  there  is  bread  if  I 
want  it.  Let  us  leave  here  and  go  after  work.  I 
am  miserable  in  this  hole.  We  have  no  money  to 
travel  on,  it  is  true,  but  we  have  plenty  of  flour,  and 
if  we  get  in  a  tight  place,  I  will  sell  my  watch.  We 
have  come  to  '  poverty  town  '  instead  of  plenty,  and 
your  millionaire  is  a  fraud." 

"  But,  William,  you  are  not  fair.  Any  one  living  so 
far  from  a  store  as  George  does  is  liable  to  run  out  of 


32'  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

supplies.  You  must  have  heard  George  say  he  had 
sent  for  a  lot  of  stuff." 

"  Quite  true,  John,  but  it  is  my  opinion  that  he  has 
run  out  of  supplies  for  the  want  of  money  to  pay  for 
them,  and  I  think  he  is  waiting  for  returns  from  that 
fourteen  tons  of  ore  he  shipped  so  he  can  get  more. 
Capitalists  do  ijot  generally  live  this  way,  unless  they 
are  misers,  and  you  know  he  is  no  miser,  for  he 
likes  the  good  things  of  this  world  as  well  as  any  one, 
and^much  better  than  you  or  I.  But  it  is  not  his 
poverty  I  complain  of,  but  the  false  pretensions  and 
the  false  promises  he  has  made." 

**  You  can't  call  him  poor,  William,  for  he  has  been 
offered  sixteen  thousand  dollars  for  the  Blackman 
mine,  but  would  not  sell  for  less  than  fifty  thou- 
sand." 

**  I  have  heard  so,  but  I  have  heard  so  many  things 
that  are  not  true  that  I  am  in  doubt  what  to  believe. 
Would  you  give  that  much  for  it  ?  " 

"  Yes,  I  would." 

''  Then  more  fool  you.  I  would  not  give  him  five 
thousand  dollars  for  it  if  I  was  loaded  down  with 
money." 

"  But  don't  you  think  it  a  big  mine,  William?  " 

*'  No,  I  do  not.  I  call  no  claim  a.  good  mine  that 
will  not  pay  working  expenses.  And  this  is  your  big 
mine,  with  a  fifty-foot  vein  of  good  ore.  The  fact  is 
there  is  no  vein  at  all.  For  50  feet  on  the  surface  Black- 
man  has  got  a  low  grade  ore  in  the  dozen  or  more  of 
gopher  holes  he  has  dug,  but  what  has  he  got  at  the 
bottom  of  his  forty-foot  shaft  ?  " 

"  You  don't  know  as  he  had  to  quit  sinking  on  ac- 
count of  loose  ground." 

**  So  he  told  you,  did  he?  That  story  is  also  too 
thin,  and  I  happen  to  know  it  is  a  lie.  His  partner, 
Benson,  told  me  he  quit  the  bottom  because  there  was 
no  ore,  and  they  started  to  drift  at  twenty  feet  from 


Disappointment.  33 

the  top,  as  they  had  the  best  showing  there.  And  what 
has  he  got  in  his  forty  feet  of  drift?  " 

"  Not  much,  WilHam,  but  it  looks  well." 

"  Looks  well,  does  it  ?  Some  decomposed  quartz 
with  occasionally  a  kidney  of  galena  is  a  big  thing  in 
your  eyes,  I  suppose.  The  fact  is,  John,  he  has  got  a 
good  prospect  but  no  mine  yet.  But  that  is  not  the 
question.  It  is  the  lies  and  misrepresentation  that  I 
am  disgusted  at,  not  his  mine.  I  value  more  the  truth- 
ful, honest  man,  though  his  clothes  are  shabby  and 
worn,  than  I  do  your  lying,  hypocritical  rogue,  though 
he  may  be  worth  his  thousands.  You  are  a  noble,  gen- 
erous man,  John,  and  if  you  must  defend  and  make 
excuses  for  your  friends,  do  it  when  they  are  in  the 
right  and  not  in  the  wrong.  Well,  it  is  time  to  work, 
but  I  think  we  had  better  take  our  tools  to  camp  to- 
night and  do  no  more  work  here.  The  few  days  we 
are  here  we  can  work  on  the  Lady  May.  The  iron 
George  brought  from  there  with  specks  of  galena  in 
it  is  good  looking  stuff,  and  ought  to  lead  to  ore  if 
there  is  a  permanent  vein." 

"  We  won't  leave  this  yet,  William.  I  know  it  is 
here,  and  if  we  only  stick  to  it  we  shall  get  from  it 
all  the  money  we  need  and  enough  for  our  children 
after  us.  I  would  work  here  all  winter  on  bread  and 
water  rather  than  give  it  up.  If  you  will  help  me  make 
a  dugout  before  you  go,  I  will  send  to  Harry  for  a  few 
things  and  stay  here  all  winter." 

**  How-  unreasonable  you  are,  John.  You  know  it 
is  here.  Nonsense,  man !  You  know  nothing  about 
it ;  you  only  believe  it  is  here.  You  surprise  me 
indeed.  You,  who  believe  in  no  other  guide  but  reason. 
I  will  work  until  the  end  of  the  week  but  no  longer." 

The  conversation  just  related  occurred  on  their  mine 

dump,  as  they  ate  their  dinner  of  bread  and  tea.    They 

had   many   such    spats,   but    remained   good    friends. 

When  they  returned  to  camp  that  evening,  they  found 

3 


34  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

Blackman  and  Ben  cutting  up  a  fine  deer.  The  meat 
was  much  needed  and  was  a  great  treat  to  our  half- 
starved  friends. 

Saturday  came,  and  the  friends  put  their  tools  in  a 
wheeibarrow  and  fastening  a  rope  in  front  for  lead 
harness,  they  hauled  and  pushed  it  to  camp. 

After  supper  Blackman  said :  ''  Boys,  I  shall  move 
over  to  Little  River  on  Thursday,  and  I  think  it  would 
be  well  for  you  to  work  two  or  three  days  on  the  Lady 
May." 

"  Just  what  we  have  been  thinking  of,  George,  and 
we  will  start  to-morrow." 

"  Very  good,  John,  you  can  take  a  piece  of  meat 
with  you." 

Taki-ng  our  friends  on  the  hill,  Blackman  pointed 
out  the  caiion  where  the  mines  were  located.  About 
noon  the  next  day  the  friends  left  and  drove  up  to  a 
point  on  Willow  Creek  that  was  nearest  to  the  canon. 

**  Ah,  John,"  said  Mr.  Shepard,  *'  this  is  a  lovely 
evening,  and  I  feel  homesick  when  I  think  how  I  used 
to  pass  my  Sundays  with  my  family.  This  drive  has 
been  so  different  from  those  I  had  at  home  when  I 
would  dash  over  the  country  with  my  loved  ones. 
While  you  start  a  fire  and  make  supper,  I  will  walk  up 
to  the  caiion  and  look  at  the  claim,  for  I  feel  quite 


"  What  a  time  you  have  been,  William.  Supper  has 
been  waiting  a  long  time.    Did  you  find  the  mine  ?  " 

"  No,  I  did  not.  I  found  the  canon  further  than  I 
expected,  and  as  it  was  nearly  dark  I  turned  back 
again." 

*'  How  far  is  the  cafion  ?  " 

"  It  is  fully  three  miles.  I  feel  well  to-night,  John, 
and  hope  the  good  feeling  denotes  good  luck." 

The  friends  were  up  early  the  next  morning,  and 
Mr.  Shepard  got  up  and  fed  the  team  while  Mr.  Burn- 


Disappointment.  35 

wood  made  breakfast.  After  eating  they  hitched  up 
and  drove  to  the  caiion. 

"  Take  out  the  horses,  John,  and  I  will  look  for  the 
Lady  May." 

And  Mr.  Shepard  went  up  the  hiU  on  a  half  run,  so 
anxious  was  he  to  find  the  claim.  But  the  claim  was 
not  so  easily  found,  and  they  roamed  the  hills  until 
near  noon,  when  Mr.  Burnwood  said :  "  I  am  tired 
and  shall  go  down  to  the  wagon." 

'*  All  right,  John,  fix  up  a  little  dinner  and  I  will 
go  over  this  hill  again.  The  Lady  May  ought  to  be 
good  for  it  is  hard  to  find.  If  we  strike  it  I  shall  make 
my  little  woman  a  lady  yet." 

And  up  the  mountain  went  Mr.  Shepard.  He  found 
several  claims  but  no  Lady  May.  Climbing  up  to  a 
clump  of  mahogany  he  saw  a  pair  of  deer  antlers  lying 
on  the  ground.  Taking  them  up  he  exclaimed :  "  I 
will  carry  these  for  luck."  Sceptic  and  doubter  as  he 
was  in  many  things,  he  felt  a  strong  presentiment  that 
he  would  find  something  if  he  took  them  along.  Going 
down  the  hill  he  glanced  up  the  canon,  and  saw  a  post 
some  distance  away,  and  on  the  other  side  of  the 
canon.  He  crossed  over  and  found  it  to  be  an  old 
corner  stake  but  could  not  make  out  the  name  or  date. 

**  No  Lady  May  yet.  .  Well,  I  will  go  down  to  din- 
ner, and  take  the  canon  for  it,  as  it  is  better  walking, 
but  how  can  I  expect  to  find  anything  in  that  deep 
grass?  I  am  strongly  tempted  to  take  that  easy  road, 
but  I  will  keep  along  the  foot  of  the  hill,  as  it  is  nearly 
as  good." 

So  saying,  he  went  on,  the  antlers  in  his  hands  and 
his  eyes  on  the  ground.  Presently  he  passed  by  a  small 
stone  a  few  feet  to  his  right.  It  was  partly  covered 
with  soil,  but  there  was  something  about  that  yellowish 
white  stone  that  caught  his  eye,  and  turning  back  he 
took  it  up  and  exclaimed :  "  By  George,  this  is  heavy ; 
there  ought  to  be  mineral  in  this." 


36  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

Going  on  a  few  steps  to  a  large  rock,  he  dashed  his 
stone  upon  it,  and  was  delighted  to  see  as  fine  a  piece 
of  carbonate  ore,  spotted  with  galena,  as  ever  hungry 
miner  feasted  his  eye  upqn.  Before  he  found  this,  he 
was  tired  and  weary,  but  he  forgot  it  all  and  went 
down  the  canon  with  a  swinging  stride  that  a  pedes- 
trian might  envy. 

Going  up  to  the  wagon  he  said :  **  What  do  you 
think  of  that  ?  " 

'*  That  looks  pretty  well,  where  did  you  find  it  ?  " 

"  Looks  pretty  well,  you  think.  Why,  m^n,  it  is  the 
real  stufif  itself.  It  is  what  we  are  after,  and  if  we 
can  only  find  where  it  came  from,  I  think  we  shall  be 
all  j-ight." 

"  Can  you  find  the  place  again  ?  " 

"  Oh,  yes,  I  marked  it  well,  and  can  go  right  to  the 
spot.'' 

After  their  frugal  meal  they  took  pick,  shovel  and 
hammer  and  were  soon  on  the  ground. 

'*  What  is  this  ?  "  said  Mr.  Bumwood,  taking  up  a 
piece  of  rock  near  by  the  size  of  a  man's  head. 

"  Break  rt  and  let  us  see." 

And  down  went  the  hammer  on  the  rock. 

"  More  ore,  John,  by  George !  But  there  is  some 
iron  in  this.     There  must  be  a  vein  of  it  somewhere." 

They  found  several  pieces  on  the  ground,  but  no  in- 
dication of  a  vein.  The  ore  found  was  near  the  point 
of  a  hill,  that  made  a  fork  in  the  caiion.  The  hill  had 
the  shape  of  a  hog's  back  and  gradually  ascended  a 
mile  or  more  until  it  CQii-nected  with  the  main  rrioun- 
tain.  Opposite  to  w^ere  the  ore  was  found  and  across 
the  main  caiion  was  a  steep  mountain  whose  top 
seemed  to  touch  the  sky.  Carefully  prospecting  the 
hill  to  the  top  of  the  hog-back,  a4id  down  the  other 
side,  they  cam,e  back  to  where  they  founa  the  last  ore. 

"  John,"  said  Mr.  Shepard,  "  it  must  be  a  blind  lode, 
and  what  we  hafve  found  is  float  from  it.    Those  seams 


Disappointment.  37 

of  iron  on  the  hill  are  not  of  the  same  quality  as  this 
on  the  ore.     So  we  must  trench  for  the  vein." 

"  All  right,  you  take  the  pick  and  I  will  shovel." 

"  No  indications  here,"  exclaimed  Mr.  Shepard, 
after  trenching  about  a  rod. 

"  Don't  you  think  it  might  have  come  down  from  the 
other  side  in  a  slide?  " 

"  By  George !  I  think  you  are  right,  John.  There 
must  be  a  deal  of  snow  here  in  the  winter,  and  it  would 
be  impossible  for  it  to  stick  on  that  mountain.  I  have 
seen  slides  in  the  Cottonwood  where  it  was  not  near 
so  steep,  I  think  it  must  have  come  down  in  a  slide, 
for  this  ore  could  hardly  lay  here  un found,  wheh 
Blackman  and  others  have  prospected  this  cafion  for 
four  years.  We  will  prospect  that  mountain  and  find 
it  if  it  is  there.  It  is  too  late  to  begin  this  evening,  so 
you  go  down  and  get  the  horses  and  I  will  go  along- 
side of  the  mountain  and  look  for  Lady  May." 

When  Shepard  got  down  to  the  wagon,  he  found 
Burn  wood  on  the  seat  ready  to  start. 

"  I  have  found  the  Lady  May,  John." 

"  Have  you  ?     How  does  it  look  ?  " 

"  It  looks  pretty  well.  There  are  about  t-wo  feet 
of  hard  ircpi  and  vein  matter,  and  as  far  as  I  can  judge 
from  the  Kttle  pot  hole  dug,  it  appears  to  be  a  true 
vein,  with  a  dip  of  about  eighty  degrees.  It  is  the  only 
vein  in  the  caiion  that  shows  walls.  If  we  had  not 
found  that  ore  I  should  have  sunk  on  the  Lady  May 
enough  to  secure  it  for  one  year.  I  have  also  discov- 
ered that  George  is  tricky,  and  I  dislike  a  tricky  man." 

"What  do  you  mean,  William?" 

"  You  know  George  boasted  a  deal  of  the  Locke 
Lode.  Well,  he  came  over  to  locate  that  a^  the  Lady 
May.  Now,  I  find  the  Lady  May  to  be  the  dd  Hunter 
Lode,  and  he  has  called  the  Locke  the  '  Silver  King,' 
and  put  himself  down  for  a  third  interest.    It  does  not 


38  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

amount  to  anything-,  and  the  change  suits  me,  but  it 
looks  bad,  for  it  is  Hke  giving  a  thing  and  taking  it 
back  again." 

They  got  an  early  start  the  next  morning,  for  Burn- 
wood  was  up  by  3  o'clock  to  make  breakfast,  mistak- 
ing moonlight  for  break  of  day.  Up  the  large  moun- 
tain they  went,  digging  a  little  here  and  a  little  there. 
When  part  way  up,  Burnwood  said :  *'  I  am  tired  and 
do  not  see  anything  here." 

"  Plenty  of  iron,  John,  but  it  is  not  the  kind  we 
want.    Go  down  and  I  will  prospect  the  mountain." 

And  Shepard  went  along  and  followed  the  course 
the  slide  must  have  taken.  But  he  found  no  indication 
of  a  ledge.  When*  he  reached  the  timber  he  started 
down  in  a  zig-zag  course,  and  was  fairly  tired  out 
when  he  gained  the  caiion.  He  found  Burnwood  sit- 
ting on  a  rock  looking  rather  blue. 

"  It  is  not  there,  John,  and  we  will  have  to  trench 
again.     But  let  us  take  a  bite,  for  I  need  it." 

"  I  would  rather  put  a.  shot  or  two  in  the  Lady  May 
and  save  the  blind  lode  until  another  time." 

"  No,  John,  the  Lady  May  can  wait ;  our  new  lode 
is  the  best,  let  us  find  her.  We  will  start  in  the  old 
trench  and  make  it  wider  and  deeper.  We  will  jsro 
down  to  bed  rock  and  bare  it  to  the  top  of  the  hill." 

Shepard  had  hardly  put  the  pick  in  when  he  turned 
up  a  piece  of  ore  the  size  of  a  hen's  egg.  It  was  not 
three  inches  from  the  side  of  the  trench.  They  were 
rewarded  with  several  other  pieces  before  they  quit 
that  evening,  and  they  drove  to  the  creek  feeling  well. 

Mr.  Burnwood  said  on  the  following  afternoon : 
"  We  had  better  go  down  to  George,  for  the  boys  leave 
for  Little  River  to-morrow." 

"  All  right,  and  wx  will  show  them  more  ore  than 
was  ever  found  in  this  cafion  before.  There  ought  to 
be  some  letters  for  us,  and  I  expect  one  from  Harry." 

*'  Yes,  William ;  I  hope  you  did  not  discourage  him." 


Disappointment.  39 

**  I  wrote  him  the  plain  truth  without  any  comment. 
He  requested  me  to  write  an  account  of  things  just  as 
I  found  them.    I  have  done  no  more." 

They  got  to  Blackman's  about  an  hour  after  dark, 
and  as  they  expected,  found  letters  from  home  and 
one  from  Harry. 

"Well,  William,  what  does  Harry  say?" 

"  He  says  he  does  not  want  any  interest  in  the 
mines,  and  to  take  his  name  off  if  we  have  put  it 
down ;  and  he  sa)-s  he  wants  something  more  sure.  I 
do  not  like  this,  for  it  is  unmanly  and  cowardly.  He 
had  as  much  to  do  with  my  coming  here  as  any  one, 
and  to  go  back  upon  us  in  this  manner  is  shameful. 
I  shall  take  him  at  his  word,  and  hope  he  may  yet  be 
sorry."  But  nevertheless,  Shepard  had  the  blues  that 
night  and  was  very  much  discouraged.  He  expected 
to  have  money  enough  coming  from  Harry  to  be  able 
to  pay  up  all  when  it  became  due.  So  this  blow  was 
both  severe  and  unexpected.  Blackman  and  partner 
thought  the  friends  should  go  back  and  look  for  the 
mine  by  all  means. 

They  all  left  together,  Blackman  and  the  boys  to  go 
to  Little  River  and  Shepard  and  Burnwood  to  Lucky 
Boy  Cafion. 

Burnwood  had  said :  "  Let  me  name  the  new  claim," 
and  Shepard  had  consented,  though  he  had  in  mind 
a  very  dear  4iame  he  would  like  to  have  given  it. 
So  the  name  Lucky  Boy  was  g'iven  to  the  mine  and 
canon.  The  friends  toiled  on,  and  had  no  meat  after 
the  second  day,  no  yeast  powder  after  the  fourth  day, 
and  it  was  bread  and  tea  morning,  noon  and  night, 
with  mush  occasionally  for  a  change.  And  such  bread, 
too.  It  was  hard  enough  and  tough  enough  to  ruin 
the  stomach  of  the  strongest  man.  Those  cakes,  baked 
in  the  frying  pan,  could  have  been  rolled  down  the 
steepest  hill  and  not  hurt  a  particle.  It  was  the  ninth 
day  they  had  been  trenching  and  had  got  no  ore. 


40  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

Burnwood  had  several  times  suggested  that  they 
had  better  follow  the  boys  to  Little  River.  But 
Shepard  had  said :  *'  Stay  with  it,  man,  we  will  find 
it." 

But  this  afternoon  Burnwood  was  more  discouraged 
than  usual  and  said :  "  Let  us  go,  we  cannot  find  it 
now ;  and  we  can  come  agaki,  next  summer  to  look 
for  it." 

"  No,  John,  we  will  stay  a  little  I'onger.  It  looks  bad 
now  and  I  am  much  discouraged,  but  I  feel  like  staying 
here  while  I  have  bread  and  tea.  If  that  gives  out 
then  we  shall  have  to  leave." 

"  What  foolishness,  William,  let  us  go  now." 

"  Stay  amother  day,  and  if  we  do  not  find  anything 
we  will  drive  down  to  Beartail's  to-morrow  night  and 
call  at  the  post-office  for  letters  as  we  go  down.  You 
had  better  go  for  water  now,  it  is  time." 

They  were  now  camped  at  the  mine,  and  Burnwood 
went  to  the  creek  every  evening  with  a  ten-gallon  keg 
which  they  got  from  Blackman.  This  gave  them 
plenty  for  the  day  and  a  drink  for  their  team  in  the 
morning.  Shepard  went  in  the  trench  again  and  ma.de 
the  rocks  fly,  for  he  wanted  to  make  up  the  time  lost 
talking  with  Burnwood. 

But  after  some  time  spent  in  driving  ahead,  he 
dropped  the  pick  and  exclaimed :  "  This  will  not  do. 
I  am  working  too  hard  with  my  hands.  I  mu^it  think 
more,  for  I  need  to  keep  my  head  clear  and  not  work 
until  I  am  muddled." 

Going  out  into  the  bright  sunshine  and  taking  a  long 
breath,  he  looked  up  the  hill  and  said :  ''  The  vein 
must  be  close  by  for  the  float  could  not  have  slid 
down  that  hog-back  ridge  and  reached  here.  We  have 
only  fifty  feet  of  light  trenchhig,  and  we  ought  to 
find  it  in  that,  for  it  could  not  come  from  above  that 
lim€  reef.  I  must  lay  the  work  off  for  to-morrow, 
for  we  have  no  time  to  waste.    I  will  prospect  below 


Disappointment.  41 

that  reef,  and  if  I  find  no  trace  there,  it  must  be  close 

by." 

Laying  the  ground  off  for  trenchi-ng  on  the  morrow- 
he  went  to  the  reef  above  and  carefully  prospected  the 
hill  below.  He  saw  from  the  shape  of  the  hill,  if  any- 
thing came  down  the  hog-back  it  could  not  reach  the 
tail  where  he  had  found  the  ore,  without  spilling  it 
down  the  side  as  well.  Reaching  the  caiion  without 
finding  anything  to  indicate  that  there  had  been  a  slide 
down  the  hog-back,  he  went  up  to  the  trench,  satisfied 
that  he  was  not  far  from  the  ore.  Looking  at  his 
watch  he  found  it  was  half  past  six  o'clock.  So  throw- 
ing down  the  hammer  he  exclaimed :  ''  I  am  tired !  I 
will  not  do  any  more  to-night,  but  go  down  and  start 
a  fire,  for  John  should  be  here  soon." 

Glancing  down  the  canon,  he  saw  the  team  coming 
slowly  along,  and  Burnwood  walking  by  their  side 
without  coat  or  hat.  Burnwood  had  not  worn  a  hat 
when  at  home  at  his  business,  and  very  seldom  wore 
one  now.  He  had  gone  around  bareheaded  in  the  sun 
until  it  had  painted  his  bald  pate  red,  and  later,  when 
the  Buffalo  gnats  got  bad,  he  was  a  sight  to  see ;  for 
they  worked  on  his  head,  ears  and  nose,  until  he 
looked  as  if  he  had  been  in  a  fight  and  got  the  worst 
of  it. 

Shepard  laughingly  said  to  him :  "  If  the  folks  could 
see  yt)u  now,  they  would  declare  w^e  had  had  a  fuss 
and  that  I  had  put  a  head  on  you." 

"  Quite  likely,  William,  but  I  am  going  to  put  some 
axle  grease  on  my  face  to  keep  them  off." 

And  he  did  so,  and  for  several  days  he  plastered  it 
on  thick.  And  it  must  have  astonished  more  than 
one  native,  as  they  passed  down  the  Willow  Creek 
road,  to  .see  the  bald-headed  man  with  the  scratched 
face  and  the  bony  team  at  the  creek. 

The  horses  were  indeed  bony.  They  had  not  gained 
any  at  Blackman's,  for  the  feed  was  very  dry;  and 


42  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

they  only  got  water  once  in  two  days.  They  would 
have  got  water  once  a  day  if  they  had  come  to  the 
house,  but  they  did  not,  and  Ben  thought  it  too  much 
trouble  to  go  a  mile  or  two  after  them.  And  it  is 
doubtful  if  they  got  water  enough  when  they  did  come 
up,  for  Ben  was  like  some  men,  he  cared  little  for 
anything  but  pleasure  and  his  belly. 

The  friends  talked  but  little  at  supper  that  night.  It 
was  blue  Monday  with  them,  and  they  both  felt  much 
cast  down.  Burnwood  had  not  been  sanguine  since  he 
went  there.  Strange  to  say,  he  seemed  to  have  little 
hope  here  where  they  had  got  ore,  while  he  was  sure 
they  had  a  "  big  thing  "  where  there  was  nothing  to 
indicate  it,  and  would  rather  ''  work  alone  all  winter 
on  bread  and  water  "  than  give  it  up.  Maybe  he 
thought  more  of  Blackman's  opinion  of  a  "  hole  in  the 
ground  "  than  he  did  of  Shepard's  ability  to  find  a 
mine. 

Shepard  felt  badly  at  the  thought  of  leaving  before 
he  found  the  mine ;  he  had  no  doubt  about  there  being 
one.  The  only  fear  he  had  now  was  that  he  might  not 
be  able  to  "  catch  on."  He  thought  of  the  dear  ones 
at  home,  and  his  debts,  and  he  turned  in  to  rest  with 
a  heavy  heart. 

The  next  morning  they  went  to  work  early  and 
Shepard  said :  "  Clean  out  that  place  where  we  got  the 
last  iron,  and  while  you  do  so  I  will  trench  over  this 
lime  crossing.  Come  up  for  me  when  you  get  the  rock 
out." 

After  running  about  twenty  feet,  he  got  out  of  the 
shallow  trench  and  said :  "  It  is  no  use,  for  it  is  not 
here." 

At  the  same  moment  he  heard  Burnwood  coming  up 
the  hill,  and  looking  around  saw  he  had  something  in 
his  hand.  When  he  got  up  he  said :  "  I  have  cleaned 
out  and  found  this  iron,  and  it  seems  to  run  to  the  left 
pf  the  trench," 


Disappointment.  43 

"  By  George !  John,  this  is  the  mineral-bearing  iron. 
We  shall  get  it  if  we  follow  this." 

Down  they  went,  and  Shepard  soon  had  his  pick  in 
the  ground,  and  had  hardly  started  to  cut  in  the  side  of 
the  trench  before  he  got  more  iron ;  and  right  after  it  a 
piece  of  carbonate  ore,  and  then  struck  on  what  ap- 
peared to  be  solid  ore. 

"  John,"  he  exclaimed,  ''  we  have  got  it,  it  is  here. 
When  we  cut  this  trench  two  days  ago  we  were  within 
six  inches  of  it,  and  passed  by  it.  It  is  near  noon ;  go 
down  and  make  tea,  while  I  take  some  of  the  sjirface 
soil  off  it.    After  dinner  we  will  see  what  we  have." 

The  dinner  was  soon  over,  for  both  were  anxious 
to  be  at  work.  Burnwood  left  at  4  o'clock  for  water, 
and  when  Shepard  quit  that  night  he  had  uncovered 
their  bonanza.  It  was  eight  feet  long  and  five  feet 
across,  and  they  could  see  carbonate  and  galena  all 
over  it.  Their  tea  and  hard  cake  seemed  good  that 
night,  and  they  took  an  extra  cup,  for  those  men 
loved  their  tea  as  well  as  any  old  woman. 

Mr.  Burnwood  said :  *'  Throw  up  your  hat,  Wil- 
liam, and  let  us  give  it  three  times  three." 

**  No,  not  to-night.  We  will  go  down  on  it  a  little 
first;  and  if  it  holds  out  I  will  throw  it  up,  and  you 
will  hear  such  a  shout  as  was  never  heard  up  in  these 
hills  before.  I  feel  well  to-night.  I  feel  paid  for  all 
my  toil  and  trouble.  Of  course  I  canmot  tell  what  we 
have  got.  It  may  be  a  big  thing  and  we  may  have  a 
fortune  in  it,  and  it  may  be " 

He  did  not  finish  the  sentence.  **  Nothing  "  was  on 
his  lips  but  he  could  not  bear  to  speak  the  word.  He 
felt  well  and  was  glad,  but  he  felt  an  undefined  some- 
thing, that  kept  him  quiet  and  sober.  He  had  a  deep 
joy  and  satisfaction,  but  he  felt  it  was  not  complete. 


44  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 


CHAPTER  VL 

MORE    DISAPPOINTMENT. 

They  talked  until  late  into  the  night,  and  then 
went  to  bed  to  dream  of  tons  upon  tons  of  galena  and 
carbonate  ore. 

It  was  late  next  morning  when  they  got  up,  but 
they  were  soon  at  work,  and  it  was  with  many  an 
exclamation  of  pleasure  that  Shepard  dug  out  the 
chunks  of  ore  and  rolled  them  to  Burnwood.  By  noon 
they  had  got  it  all.  It  was  not  the  vein  after  all,  only 
a  slide  from  some  place.  Burnwood  went  for  water, 
and  Shepard  worked  alone.  The  iron  seam  that  led 
them  to  the  ore  now  ran  into  the  hill,  and  Shepard 
following  it  found  the  ground  very  loose.  He  went 
tmder  a  cap  of  limestone,  and  found  the  ground  all 
limestone,  and  it  lay  in  blocks  as  if  it  had  been  put 
in  by  a  mason  ;  they  were  in  blocks  from  a  foot  square 
down  to  the  size  of  a  brick,  and  browned  on  the  side 
by  decomposed  ore.  Between  the  blocks  there  was  an 
eighteen  inch  seam  of  decomposed  lime,  and  in  this 
he  found  chunks  of  ore,  composed  of  iron,  carbonate 
and  galena. 

When  he  quit  that  night  there  was  the  nose  of  a 
chunk  sticking  out  at  the  end  of  the  drift.  He  worked 
it  out  next  morning,  and  it  took  both  of  them  to  roll 
it  out  of  the  drift.  It  was  three  feet  and  a  half  long, 
eighteen  inches  wide  and  egg-shaped. 

Shepard  said :  "  I  do  not  understand  how  this  comes 
to  be  so  confounded  loose;  the  rock  over  us  next  the 


More  Disappointment.  45 

surface  is  as  solid  as  the  hills,  while  the  large  slabs 
above  our  heads  sound  as  hollow  as  a  drum." 

"  I  don't  know,  William,  but  I  think  we  had  better 
quit,  for  we  can  do  nothing  more.  We  can  come  next 
season  and  try  it  again." 

**  No,  I  shall  not  leave  it  yet ;  I  am  p-oing  under  this 
roof  if  it  is  risky.  The  worst  of  it  is,  it  rolls  in  so 
badly  from  the  sides,  that  with  a  foot  wide  on  the 
bottom  we  have  a  hole  wide  enough  for  a  railway  on 
top." 

Several  days  passed,  when  Burnwood  said: 

"  Let  us  go,  I  shall  not  stay  any  longer.  I  do  not 
want  to  dig  you  out,  and  I  see  that  I  shall  have  to  do 
so  if  we  do  not  go.  That  roof  will  come  down  some  of 
these  days,  and  I  don't  want  you  under  it." 

**  Stay  another  day,  John,  and  if  we  do  not  come 
onto  anything,  we  will  give  it  up  for  the  present.  We 
will  come  prepared  for  the  work  next  year,  and  build 
a  little  house  so  we  can  be  comfortable." 

By  noon  next  day,  Shepard  had  gone  under  as  far 
as  he  dared.  He  knew  much  better  than  Burnwood, 
the  risk  he  was  running  by  working  in  such  a  place. 
But  he  did  hate  to  give  it  up  while  he  was  getting 
ore,  for  every  day  he  got  ore,  but  every  day  it  got  less. 

He  threw  down  the  pick  and  said :  **  John,  we  will 
measure  what  we  have  done,  put  up  our  notices  and 
bid  good-by  to  the  Lucky  Boy ;  but  I  would  not  go  yet 
if  I  had  an  ax  or  a  saw  or  anything  that  would  cut  or 
fit  a  timber." 

They  drove  down  to  the  ranch  of  Mr.  Beartail, 
thinking  to  camp  below  his  place  that  night.  But 
that  worthy  rancher  would  not  let  them  sleep  out. 
"  You  must  come  in  the  house  and  share  its  warmth 
and  the  food  with  us,"  he  said. 

And  though  the  meal  was  (nir  <•.  it  was  a  great 
treat  to  the  half-starved  frii ud-.  Mr.  Beartail  had  not 
alway<>  l.((n  so  kind  to  them.     W'lKn  they  first  went 


46  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

there,  he  thought  they  were  Mormons,  and  he  would 
just  as  soon  ask  the  devil  into  his  house  as  a  Mor- 
mon. An  hour's  chat  with  Shepard  had  convinced 
him  that  they  were  not  Mormons.  It  also  enlightened 
him  considerably  in  regard  to  the  Mormon  fraud.  So 
now  he  gave  them  a  hearty  welcome  and  a.  pleasant 
evening  they  passed  together. 

It  was  as  great  a  treat  for  Beartail  to  listen  to 
accounts  of  the  Mormons,  as  it  was  for  the  friends  to 
sit  by  the  bright  fireside.  They  gave  him  a  broader 
and  clearer  view  of  Mormonism  than  he  had  before. 
He  had  thought  them  all  bad,  but  they  informed  him 
that  there  were  many  good  people  amongst  the  Mor- 
mons, but  the  system  itself  was  a  curse  and  a  disgrace 
to  the  country. 

Mr.  Beartail  had  informed  Shepard  on  a  former 
visit  that  he  did  not  think  Blackman  could  pay  them 
for  work;  for  he  was  in  debt  nearly  everywhere,  and 
could  not  pay  any  one.  Shepard  did  not  like  to  say 
much  about  it  to  Burnwood,  for  he  knew  it  would  hurt 
his  feelings,  but  as  they  went  slowly  along  next  day, 
he  said : 

"  John,  what  reason  had  you  to  believe  that  Black- 
man  could  give  us  work  and  pay  us  good  wages  ?  " 

"  He  told  me  so,  of  course." 

"  Was  that  the  only  reason  you  had  to  come  all  this 
distance  ?  " 

"  Yes,  what  more  would  you  want  ?  " 

''  I  would  want  to  know  if  the  man  was  reliable,  and 
able  to  make  good  his  promises.  I  find  your  son-in- 
law  is  neither.  I  have  been  informed,  since  we  came 
here,  that  he  is  one  of  the  biggest  liars  in  the  country. 
I  think  from  what  you  have  told  me,  and  what  I 
have  seen,  that  there  is  much  truth  in  this  statement." 

"  But,  William,  George  has  done  the  best  he  can, 
and  it  will  be  all  right  yet." 

"  I  do  not  know  about  it,  and  rather  doubt  it.    For 


More  Disappointment.  47 

this  reason  I  wished  to  talk  to  you  about  our  plans  for 
the  future.  If  that  company  has  Jiot  taken  the  mines 
when  we  reach  there,  I  think  we  had  better  leave  and 
go  to  Wood  River  after  work.  It  is  no  use  to  stay 
with  Blackman." 

"  I  do  not  think  it  will  be  necessary  to  go  after 
work,  for  George  is  going  to  work  the  Ingomar  and 
ship  ore  right  along.  He  did  not  bond  that  mine,  so 
he  will  take  ore  out  and  work  it  all  winter.  I  have  no 
doubt  but  the  Ingomar  is  a  big  mine." 

"  I  have  heard  so,  John,  but  only  from  you  and 
Blackman.    We  shall  soon  know  for  ourselves." 

It  took  two  days  to  reach  the  Ingomar  cabin.  Ben 
was  glad  to  see  them,  and  informed  them  that  George 
was  off  on  a  hunt,  and  the  boys  had  not  come  from 
work  yet.  ^ 

BurnwcX)d  said :  "  George  has  a  pretty  good  place 
here." 

Shepard  replied :  "  Yes,  this  will  do.  It  is  a  rough 
cabin,  but  should  be  warm."  Shepard  found  after- 
wards that  it  was  the  poorest  one  out  of  the  dozen 
oebins  in  camp.  The  next  morning  Blackman's  part- 
ner asked  Shepard  to  go  up  to  the  mine  with  him. 
Much  pleased  was  Shepard  to  go,  for  he  was  quite 
anxious  to  see  this  great  Ingomar  mine.  Benson 
showed  him  all  parts  of  the  mine  and  Shepard  found 
a  large  open  cut,  about  seventy  feet  of  tunnel  and  fifty 
feet  of  shaft.  There  were  about  four  feet  of  ore  on 
one  side  of  the  open  cut  and  that  seemed  to  be  run- 
ning out.  At  one  time  the  open  cut  had  been  full  of 
ore  and  about  twelve  feet  wide.  And  this  was  the 
great  Ingomar  mine  with  the  true  and  permanent  vein, 
that  had  been  talked  so  much  about  in  Utah.  This 
was  the  mine  Blackman  valued  at  half  a  million 
dollars.  He  had  a  fine  showing  at  one  time,  and  it 
looked  like  a  vein,  but  in  sinking  on  it  the  ore  gave 
out,  and  they  came  on  solid  limestone  without  a  seam. 


48  An  Old  Dusty*s  Story. 

They  had  got  nothing  in  the  tunnel  or  the  shaft. 
Ilartman  had  been  working  the  Ingomar  mine  for 
some  days  on  lease,  but  gave  it  up  for  he  could  not 
make  anything.  Mr.  Shepard  was  not  disappointed, 
for  this  was  not  the  first  lying  he  had  discovered  about 
the  mines.  Still,  the  Ingomar  was  worse  than  he 
expected. 

Benson  said :  ''  We  had  fine  showing  here  at  one 
time  and  could  have  sold  out  for  a  large  sum,  but. 
Blackman  wanted  too  much,  and  we  cannot  sell  now 
for  anything.  I  shall  leave  here  in  the  morning  if 
Blackman  gets  back.  I  must  go  to  work  for  wages, 
for  I  have  some  interest  to  pay  on  hired  money,  and 
cannot  stay  here  any  longer." 

Shepard  stayed  with  Benson  all  day  and  had  a  long 
tajk  with  him.  He  found  him  honest  and  straight- 
forward, and  not  at  all  sanguine  in  regard  to  the 
mines.  They  quit  early  and  went  around  to  the 
bonded  mines.  Shepard  found  that  but  one  of  them 
contained  ore,  and  that  was  not  down  ten  feet,  and 
nothing  reliable  about  it.  Where  the  samples  came 
from  that  they  sent  to  the  English  company  he  could 
not  learn.  He  went  to  camp  that  night  satisfied  that 
Blackman  was  not  only  a  great  liar,  but  also  a  great 
fraud.  Blackman  had  not  returned  but  he  came 
shortly,  his  horse  loaded  with  meat.  He  was  anxious 
to  learn  what  the  friends  had  found,  and  when  in- 
formed he  declared  they  had  a  big  thing. 

He  said :  '*  How  much  work  did  you  do  to  find  it?  " 

Shepard  answered :  "  We  dug  three  hundred  and 
twenty  feet  of  trench  from  six  inches  to  nine  feet  deep, 
and  from  one  to  three  feet  wide.  What  we  thought 
was  the  cropping  was  only  a  slide.  The  deepest  piece 
of  ore  was  seven  feet  under  the  ground.  After  taking 
all  the  ore  off,  we  made  a  large  open  cut  and  then  ran 
under  a  cap  of  lime  twelve  feet  and  got  a  little  ore 
every  day.     What  puzzles  me  most  is  the  lines  next 


More  Disappointment.  49 

the  surface  being  so  solid  and  that  beneath  so  very 
loose." 

'*  Boys,"  exclaimed  Blackman,  "  you  have  a  sure 
thing,  and  may  not  have  many  feet  to  go  to  get  it. 
When  you  come  on  it  you  will  find  it  goes  down  nearly 
straight.  I  think  you  ought  to  go  back  again.  Your 
chances  are  too  good  to  leave  it  until  another  year." 

The  friends  paid  a  visit  to  Hartman  the  next  day, 
and  he  was  quite  wild  over  their  new  find. 

He  said :  **  Go  back,  by  all  means.  You  must  not 
leave  that  for  a  year.  Don't  be  damned  fools  and  leave 
it,  when  you  may  catch  on  any  day." 

Turning  to  Burnwood,  he  said :  *'  Old  man,  you  will 
soon  have  more  money  than  you  know  what  to  do 
with.  You  will  be  going  back  to  Utah  as  rich  as  a 
lord." 

Burnwood  returned  to  Blackman,  and  Shepard  went 
on  the  hill  with  Hartman.  He  learned  much  that  day. 
He  found  that  Benson  was  going  off  to  work  to  earn 
money  to  pay  interest  on  the  mortgage  on  their  mines. 
He  found  they  owed  the  man  Madsen  that  was  work- 
ing for  them  several  hundred  dollars. 

Hartman  said :  "  Blackman  is  in  debt  over  four 
thousand  dollars  and  can  pay  nothing.  I  wanted  the 
damned  fool  to  throw  in  the  Ingomar  or  the  Blackman 
mine,  so  the  company  could  see  something  for  their 
money.  He  would  not  do  so,  and  said  it  would  be 
giving  the  mines  away." 

Shepard  said :  **  Benson  told  me  that  Mr.  Manton 
was  not  coming  this  season  ? " 

**  No,  he  is  not.  I  got  a  letter  from  him  stating 
that  the  company  would  not  purchase  any  mines  this 
year,  as  it  was  late  and  they  had  received  no  samples." 

"  But,  Hartman,  would  Manton  have  bought  the 
claims  if  he  had  come  out?  " 

"  I'm  damned  if  I  know.     We  expected  him  to  do 
so,  for  wc  had  fixed  them  up  to  look  their  best." 
4 


5o  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

"  Is-  it  not  an  outrageous  thing  to  have  a  man  come 
so  far  to  look  at  such  claims?  The  expense  of  the 
trip,  and  loss  of  time,  would  be  considerable." 

"  Manton  would  not  care  for  that,  he  would  be  well 
paid  for  it,  and  the  company  could  stand  it." 

"  That  may  be  true,  Hartman,  but  still  I  think  it  an 
outrag-eous  thing,  and  it  must  hurt  Blackman  in  the 
end.  Manton  would  inform  his  friends  how  he  had 
been  deceived,  and  none  of  those  would  believe  Black- 
man's  statement." 

"  Why,  Shepard,  that's  nothing  new.  He  can  get 
no  one  to  come  to  see  his  mines,  for  no  one  believes 
him  now.  He  has  had  men  come  from  the  East  and 
West  to  see  his  mines.  They  have  come  to  buy  mines, 
and  been  brought  here  by  his  highly-colored  state- 
ments, and  when  they  saw  them  they  left  in  disgust. 
There  is  no  doubt  aboiit  his  being  the  biggest  liar  in 
these  diggings." 

When  Shepard  went  down  to  the  wagon,  Burnwood 
told  him  that  George  said  that  they  ought  to  go  back 
at  once  and  work  their  claim. 

Shepard  answered :  "  No.  I  do  not  care  to  go  back 
this  fall.  I  cannot  afford  to  throw  away  any  more 
time.  I  would  rather  look  for  work  and  let  the  claim 
wait." 

"  But,  William,  you  were  sorry  to  leave  it,  and  I 
should  think  you  wt)uld  want  to  go  back  again." 

"  I  would  if  I  were  able,  but  I  am  not,  and  I  feel 
that  I  have  done  enough ;  it  is  also  uncertain  if  we 
find  it  this  faU." 

"  They  say  we  are  sure  to  get  it,  and  I  am  in  favor 
of  sending  home  for  supplies,  and  going  back  to 
work." 

"  We  are  not  sure  of  finding  it  and  I  wouM  rather 
not  go,  but  if  you  go  I  will  not  leave  you." 

"  Then  we  go.  Make  out  a  list  of  what  you  want 
and  I  will  send  to  Harry  for  the  things." 


More  Disappointment.  51 

"  No,  John,  I  shall  have  nothing  to  do  with  it.  I 
would  rather  starve  than  ask  Harry  for  anything." 

"  He  wrote  me  he  would  send  anything  I  wanted, 
so  don't  be  foolish,  but  make  out  the  list." 

"  I  shall  not.    Do  as  you  please,  I  will  do  nothing." 

Burnwood  saw  Blackman,  and  they  decided  it  would 
be  best  to  go  back  to  work.  When  Burnwood  informed 
Shepard  what  he  should  do,  he  said : 

"  Let  us  go  at  once ;  the  sooner  we  know  what  there 
is  in  the  claim,  the  better." 

**  We  will  go  day  after  to-morrow.  George  wants 
to  borrow  one  of  your  horses  to-morrow  and  send 
Ben  after  the  mail.  He  will  post  my  letter  ordering 
our  supplies  at  the  same  time.  George  will  lend  us  an 
ax  and  we  can  grind  it  and  our  old  one  to-nnbrrow. 
We  can  also  get  a  saw." 

Ben  went  for  the  mail  next  day.  It  was  about  fif- 
teen miles  over  the  hills  and  twenty  miles  on  the 
wagon  road.  Ben  took  the  hills,  and  when  he  got 
back  Shepard  noticed  that  Belle  seemed  stiff.  Look- 
ing at  her  he  found  the  saddle  had  been  too  tight,  and 
the  chinch  had  taken  the  hide  off  from  one  side  to  the 
other. 

He  exclaimed :  "  Who  saddled  her,  Ben  ?  " 

"  George  did." 

**  And  a  confounded  shame,  too,  and  no  doubt  you 
rode  like  a  fool.  It  is  damn  little  either  one  of  you 
care  for  a  horse." 

And  Shepard  walked  away  feeling  unusually  vexed. 
Next  morning  Shepard  said : 

**  John,  put  the  best  ax  in  the  wagon,  there  is  not 
room  in  this  outside  pocket  for  both  of  them." 

"  No,  it  will  cut  the  wagon  if  put  inside,  I  will  put 
it  in  the  pocket."  And  he  pushed  it  down  alongside 
of  the  other.  They  left  early,  and  it  being  down  grade 
they  eot  to  the  post-office  by  noon,  and  stopped  to 
lake  dinner.  Burnwood  went  to  the  wagon  for  an  ax 


§2  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

to  cut  wood,  and  finding  them  gone  exclaimed: 
''  Where  are  the  axes  ?  " 

"  I  do  not  know,  you  had  them  last." 

"  The  pocket  has  broken  loose,  William,  and  they  are 
gone." 

"  The  devil  they  are !  That  is  bad  management, 
John,  very  bad.  We  cannot  do  without  them,  so  I 
will  ride  back,  and  I  hope  they  are  not  far  behind." 

Jumping  on  Belle  he  left  at  once.  There  are  many 
rides  written  and  spoken  about,  some  of  them  noted 
ones.  The  only  noted  thing  about  this  one  was  that 
it  was  more  of  a  walk  than  a  ride.  After  going  a  few 
miles.  Belle  gave  out,  and  Shepard  got  off  and  led  her. 
He  found  that  would  not  do,  for  he  would  give  out 
soon,  as  he  had  to  fairly  pull  her  along  to  get  her 
to  move.  He  fastened  the  bridle  around  her  neck,  and 
went  behind  her  and  drove  her  along.  She  was  not 
inclined  to  go  then,  but  the  butt  end  of  the  whipstock 
went  down  on  her  tail  end  with  a  whack.  And  thus  he 
herded  her  along  until  5  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  when 
he  came  upon  the  axes.  They  were  lying  in  the  road 
about  two  hundred  yards  from  Blackman's  cabin. 
There  was  no  going  back  now,  for  the  mare  could 
hardly  walk,  so  he  went  on  to  the  cabin. 

Ben  opened  his  eyes  when  he  saw  Shepard  and  ex- 
claimed: ''What  is  wrong?" 

Shepard  told  him  how  he  had  to  herd  the  mare 
along  until  he  found  the  axes,  and  Ben  said :  "  It  is 
a  wonder  she  did  not  run  away." 

Shepard  laughed  and  said :  "  I  could  outrun  a  dozen 
in  her  condition."  Then  he  added  bitterly :  "  Do 
not  mention  run,  you  took  that  out  of  her  yester- 
day." 

Shepard  disliked  to  stay  with  Blackman.  He  would 
gladly  have  walked  back  again,  if  the  mare  could  have 
done  so,  but  she  could  not,  and  he  felt  like  a  beggar 
when  he  took  supper  that  night  and  was  quite  miser- 


More  Disappointment.  53 

able.  He  was  out  an  hour  before  daylight  after  the 
mare.  He  took  the  trail  over  the  hills  and  got  to 
Burnwood  at  noon.  He  had  dinner  waiting,  and  they 
fed  the  mare  while  they  ate  it.  Then  on  again.  It  was 
twenty  miles  to  water,  and  they  must  reach  it.  The 
first  ten  miles  was  down  grade  and  the  team  did  very 
well,  but  Shepard  noticed  Belle  was  getting  shaky,  so 
he  stopped  and  fed. 

There  were  about  six  miles  of  sand  and  then  their 
troubles  began,  for  Belle  would  not  pull  a  pound,  but 
little  Faithful  showed  she  was  rightly  named,  for  she 
not  only  pulled  the  wagon,  but  Belle  also. 

Shepard  said :  *'  This  will  not  do,  that  mare  must 
walk,  and  not  hold  back  or  we  shall  have  to  stay  here. 
Give  me  that  stick,  and  I  will  walk  by  her  side  and 
keep  her  up." 

And  every  few  steps  it  was  whack,  whack,  until  a 
large  welt  rose  to  cover  the  bones,  and  the  gray  was 
turned  to  red. 

Shepard  said :  "  This  is  awful !  We  are  in  a  bad 
box  when  we  have  to  do  this." 

The  sun  went  down,  and  darkness  came  on,  and 
still  it  was  whack,  whack.  The  moon  rose  and  sent 
her  silvery  light  over  the  dreary  scene.  And  now  the 
ground  got  more  .solid,  with  only  small  patches  of 
sand,  and  soon  they  left  the  sand  behind.  The  horses 
walked  better  now  without  the  stick.  Presently  they 
threw  up  their  heads  and  walked  still  faster.  Shepard 
thought  they  must  see  water  to  make  them  feel  so 
good,  and  looking  ahead  he  saw  a  bright  and  shining 
streak  three  or  four  miles  away. 

It  was  Willow  Creek,  and  the  sight  was  gladden- 
ning  to  the  heart  of  man  and  beast ;  no  more  stick 
now,  for  the  team  did  their  best,  and  Belle  fairly 
staggered  along.  Shepard  still  walked  by  their  sides 
and  would  call  out  in  an  encouraging  tone :  "  Get  up, 
Belle!     Go  along,  little  Faithful!     Well  done,  little 


54  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

ones !  Go  again,  my  darlings.  There  is  rest  for  the 
weary  at  the  creek.    We'll  soon  be  there  now." 

It  was  twelve  o'clock  when  they  reached  the  creek, 
and  right  glad  they  were  to  turn  the  tired  horses  loose, 
and  to  spread  their  blankets  on  the  grotmd  by  the 
stream. 

"  Ah,"  said  Shepard,  "  the  rippling  of  the  water 
sounds  so  natural,  and  as  it  strikes  those  rocks  it 
sounds  so  much  like  the  mill  stream.  And,  John,  if 
I  heaj-  an  unusual  noise,  I  even  yet  prick  up  my  ears 
to  listen  to  the  mill.  I  am  glad  this  day  is  past,  for  I 
am  ashamed  of  myself  ior  beating  that  mare." 

And  for  years  afterward,  when  he  thought"  of  that 
day,  his  conscience  smote  him.  The  next  night  they 
camped  at  the  old  place  on  the  creek.  They  had  got 
a  sixty-gallon  barrel  in  addition  to  the  keg. 

Shepard  said :  ''  We  will  fill  our  barrels  to-night 
so  we  shall  not  be  delayed  in  the  morning." 

They  were  at  the  mine  early,  and  looking  the  ground 
over  carefully,  they  selected  a  knoll  close  by  their 
claim,  and  made  camp.  After  they  had  fixed  their 
things  under  a  shelf  of  rock,  Shepard  went  up  the 
canon  to  look  for  timber.  About  two  mi^es  above 
he  found  a  fine  grove  of  pines,  and  was  soon  making 
good  use  of  his  ax.  They  hauled  the  timber  down 
next  day,  a-ri^d  Shepard  started  to  fix  them  at  once.   ^ 

Then  came  days  and  weeks  of  hard  toil,  days  of 
hope,  and  days  of  dark  despair.  Days  and  weeks  of 
sufifering  and  privation.  In  addition  to  their  flour, 
meal  and  tea,  they  had  only  taken  a  sack  of  potatoes 
and  a  can  of  yeast  powder.  Blackman  had  plenty  of 
meat,  but  had  not  thought  to  give  them  any,  and  Shep- 
ard would  have  starved  rather  than  have  asked  for  it. 
Many  meals  they  made  of  potatoes  and  salt  and  thought 
them  good.  The  potatoes  were  soon  gone,  and  then 
it  was  bread  and  tea,  morning,  noon  and  night.  Bread 
without  yeast  powder  and  tea  without  suear. 


More  Disappointment.  55 

Shepard  found  himself  getting  quite  weak  and 
shaky,  so  he  said  to  Burnwood :  "  Do  not  make  the 
tea  so  strong.  I  have  become  nervous  by  drinking  so 
much  of  it." 

**  I  have  hardly  put  any  tea  in,  William,  since  you 
told  me  some  days  ago." 

"  Then  it  must  be  the  pot,  and  that  will  account 
for  the  rich  brown  color,  and  the  acid  flavor  it  has 
got.  Such  food  and  tea  and  the  way  I  work  would 
ruin  any  constitution,  and  mine  is  not  very  strong  at 
the  best." 

Shepard  was  right,  for  he  was  never  the  same  man 
after  that  trip.  And  years  after,  though  clear-headed 
and  cool,  the  least  thing  would  make  his  hand  tremble, 
and  he  occasionally  awoke  from,  sleep  feeling  weak, 
and  with  every  nerve  beating  like  a  pulse.  He  saw 
afterwards  tltat  he  was  foolish  to  stay  in  such  a  place, 
and  the  best  thing  to  have  done  when  he  found  Black- 
man  had  lied,  would  have  been  to  have  gone  back  to 
.Utah. 

They  drove  their  tunnel  in  sixty  feet  and  struck  the 
solid  lime,  but  the  loose  streak  still  ran  up  the  hill 
above  their  head.  A  lot  of  the  loose  rock  fell  from 
the  top,  and  among  it  a  nice  piece  of  ore. 

Shepard  said :  "  John,  that  piece  of  ore  is  a  voice  to 
me,  saying,  *  Go  onward  and  upward  if  you  would 
find  me.'  We  are  nearly  *  beat,'  for  we  cannot  follow  it 
up  the  hill  at  present.  We  can  turn  to  the  left  and  see 
what  it  will  lead  to.  It'is  stiil  loose  and  we  have  got 
the  most  ore  from  that  side." 

At  this  time  Hartman  and  Ben  came  over,  and  Hart- 
man  said :  "  Boys,  I  thought  you  would  have  got  it 
by  this,  so  I  came  over  to  make  some  locations,  for 
there  will  be  a  big  rush  here  when  you  catch  on." 

That  night  at  supper,  Hartman  said :  '*  Your  grub 
is  damn  tough,  and  the  worst  I  ever  saw.  How  is  it 
your  supplies  are  not  here  ? " 


56  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

Burnwood  answered :  *'  I  do  not  know.  I  received 
a  letter  saying  they  were  shipped.  There  must  be  a 
delay  on  the  way.  Ben,  you  had  better  take  the  team 
in  the  morning  and  see  if  they  have  come." 

Ben  went  to  Beartails  and  brought  back  the  good 
news  that  the  supplies  were  on  the  way,  and  would  be 
there  in  two  days.  He  also  brought  twenty-five  cents' 
worth  of  bacon,  and  borrowed  some  yeast  powder, 
and  told  Beartail  that  his  father  would  settle  for  it. 
Hartman  made  slapjacks  for  supper  and  mixed  enough 
for  breakfast  next  morni-ng. 

When  Hartman  came  to  make  breakfast  he  found 
a  dead  mouse  in  the  batter. 

'*  Throw  the  stuff  away,"  said  Shepard. 

Hartman  exclaimed  :  ''  Throw  be  damned.  There's 
no  more  yeast  powder,  and  we  should  have  to  make 
your  seed  cake,  and  none  of  that  for  me.  I  am  off 
after  breakfast.  Not  eat  it,  you  say?  Why,  you  fel- 
lows have  been  without  meat  so  long,  that  I  would 
think  you  could  go  mouse  and  all.  The  cakes  are  no 
worse,  anyway.  Here,  try  one,  old  man.  I  will  have 
one  for  you  in  a  minute,  Shepard." 

It  went  much  against  the  grain  with  Mr.  Shepard, 
but  there  was  no  help  for  it,  for  he  couid  not  go  to 
work  hungry.  After  breakfast,  Hartman  wished 
them  good  luck,  and  shaking  hands  heartily,  left  them. 
The  supplies  came,  and  Shepard  found  only  about  half 
what  had  been  ordered.  Some  things  had  been  sent 
that  had  not  been  ordered  and  could  have  been  bought 
from  Beartail  for  less  than  the  freight  upon  them. 
There  was  no  ham,  no  bacon,  no  lard ;  only  a  gallon 
can  of  butter. 

Shepard  was  quite  disgusted,  but  said  little.  In  two 
weeks,  exceptinis:  dry  fruit,  they  were  down  to  dry 
shuck  again.  The  loose  ground  changed  to  hard 
lime,  and  Shepard  saw  they  were  ''  beat."  So  he  said 
to  Burnwood :  "  It  is  no  use,  we  had  better  quit.    Ben 


More  Disappointment.  57 

wants  to  go  home  and  you  also  say  you  will  go  home. 
I  will  drive  down  to  the  Nickel  mine  in  the  morning 
and  try  to  get  work.  If  I  do  not  get  anything  I  will 
go  home  with  you.  Still,  I  hate  to  do  so,  and  would 
rather  go  the  other  way.  I  love  my  wife  and  little 
ones  as  well  as  any  one.  I  suflfer  much  at  being  sepa- 
rated from  them.  Excepting  the  ten  days  when  hunt- 
ing that  ore,  I  have  been  in  hell  since  I  came  to  Black- 
man's  mines.  I  have  had  no  pleasure  or  comfort  here, 
and  have  been  half  starved,  but  to  go  back  seems  like 
the  bitterness  of  death." 

"  A  good  general,  William,  always  provides  a  way 
for  retreat." 

"  Quite  true,  but  to  retreat  in  disgrace  would  be 
worse  to  me  than  death  in  the  front." 

**  There  is  no  disgrace  to  go  home,  William." 

"  No,  of  course  not,  but  I  feel  like  it.  I  feel  I  shall 
be  disgraced  to  go  home  and  not  be  able  to  pay  a 
cent  on  my  debts." 

'*  You  have  plenty  of  property,  William,  and  are 
better  off  than  I  am.  When  I  get  home  I  have  nothing 
to  sell  and  do  not  own  the  place  I  live  in." 

**  Yes,  I  have  considerable  property,  but  it  is  in  bad 
shape;  though  a  year's  good  work  would  so  clear  it 
that  I  could  live  from  it  and  would  not  have  to  work 
for  any  man.  If  I  have  to  sell  I  cannot  get  much 
for  it.  T  have  been  working,  planning  and  hoping 
for  a  Near  to  be  able  to  live  at  home,  and  now  all  is 
dashed  to  pieces.  It  is  true  I  have  been  an  ass,  or  I 
should  not  have  been  in  this  fix.  You  have  no  idea 
what  I  have  sacrificed  by  coming  here.  I  do  not  blame 
you,  for  you  have  been  fooled  as  well  as  myself.  You 
meant  well,  but  you  are  to  blame  for  not  telling  me  the 
man  had  no  money.  If  I  had  known  he  had  lived  all 
winter  oflF  your  earnings,  and  that  Harry  had  lent  him 
money  to  take  him  North  to  his  mines,  you  can  be  sure 
I  should  not  have  come  here.    When  you  and  Harry 


58  An  Old  Dusty 's  Story. 

said  he  was  all  right,  it  was  enough  for  me  without 
any  investigation." 

''  Who  told  you  that  Harry  had  let  him  have 
money  ?  " 

'*  Harry  has  written  to  me,  and  wishes  me  to  tell 
Blackman  to  send  the  hundred  dollars  he  got  from 
Harry  in  the  winter,  for  he  is  in  need  of  it.    You  see 

I  got  it  from  Harry,  so  it  is  not  a  made-up  story,  as 
you  like  to  believe  most  stories  are  that  you  hear  of 
Blackman.  But  why  you  should  doubt  other  people, 
and  believe  Blackman,  when  you  know  he  has  lied,  is 
past  my  understanding.  I  am  sorry  I  did  not  know 
him  before  I  left  my  home.  I  could  have  done  well 
at  home  by  putting  my  team  to  work  hauling  from  the 
mines.  My  wife  writes  that  1  can  do  well  at  home  yet 
if  I  only  return  soon,  and  she  wants  me  to  go  at  once. 
If  I  had  taken  her  advice  I  should  have  left  you  the 
first  week  we  came  here.  But  I  shall  not  go  back  yet, 
not  if  I  can  get  work." 

Next  morning  he  bade  Burnwood  good-by,  and  tak- 
ing Ben  along  to  bring  back  the  team  if  he  got  work, 
he  drove  to  the  Nickel  niine. 

The  Nickel  mine  was  full-handed,  more  than  full, 
for  they  had  just  turned  off  a  number  of  men,  and  ex- 
pected to  turn  off  more.  Shepard  drove  back  to  Wil- 
low Creek  and  slept  near  its  banks  that  night  and  suf- 
fered much  from  cold.     They  got  back  to  camp  about 

II  o'clock  next  day,  and  they  were  glad  to  get  a  little 
bread  and  tea,  for  they  had  started  without  breakfast. 
It  took  but  a  short  time  to  load  up  their  things. 
Taking  a  last  and  sorrowful  look  at  the  claims, 
Mr.  Shepard  said :  ''  Good-by,  and  may  it  be  for 
ever." 

They  traded  part  of  their  supplies  for  grain  for 
their  team,  and  sold  part  to  a  rancher.  They  reached 
Beartail's  that  night,  and  he  would  have  them  stop 
one  da^  to  rest.    Beartail  took  Shepard  in  the  garden 


More  Disappointment.  59 

for  a  chat  and  to  make  some  inquiries  in  regard  to 
Blackman's  wife. 

Beartail  said :  **  Blackman  will'  be  going  down  to 
Utah  to  live  with  the  old  folks  again  this  winter,  and 
I  will  bet  you  he  will  not  give  them  a  dollar." 

Shepard  replied :  "  I  do  not  know ;  the  old  folks 
will  need  help  this  winter  .instead  of  helping  him." 

"  Don't  you  think  his  wife  will  get  a  divorce  from 
him  ?  " 

"  No,  Beartail,  I  do  not.  I  should  never  have 
thought  so,  for  she  seems  to  worship  the  man,  and  she 
cannot  talk  about  anything  but  *  George '  and  his 
mines.  Still,  the  whole  family  are  the  same.  I  do  not 
think  a  stranger  ever  had  the  confidence  of  a  family 
more  fully  than  Blackman.  Harry  seemed  to  have 
some  doubt,  but  he  was  the  only  one." 

"  I  see  he  has  fooled  them-  badly,  and  it  will  not  sur- 
prise me  if  she  gets  a  divorce  from  him." 

That  day  Shepard  got  a  letter  from  home,  amd  it 
made  his  heart  bleed,  for  his  little  wife  wrote  him 
that  she  was  in  great  trouble,  and  was  worried  much 
about  the  ranch.  Mr.  Bloodsucker  had  called  for  his 
interest,  and  when  informed  it  wa^s  not  ready,  he  swore 
he  would  "  close  the  mortgage  and  sell  the  place." 

He  said :  "  I  will  learn  your  husband  better  than 
going  off  and  riding  around  the  country  wasting  his 
time,  while  he's  owing  me." 

The  brute  made  Mrs.  Shepard  sick  with  his  abuse, 
and  if  Shepard  had  been  around  he  would  have  got 
a  l)rul.(  II  head,  if  he  had  ten  mortgages  to  close.  After 
reading  the  letter,  Shepard  muttered  between  his  set 
teeth :  **  I  did  well  to  say  I  should  feel  disgraced  to 
go  home  without  money.  I  shall  be  disgraced  indeed, 
if  I  allow  a  thing  like  that  to  call  a  second  time  for 
money.  It  is  over  now,  and  I  will  sell  ranch,  home, 
horses  and  everything,  rather  than  have  my  wife 
suffer." 


6o  An  Old  Dusty's  St-ory. 

Now  a  great  desire  to  go  home  came  upon  him,  and 
the  ponies  could  not  go  too  fast  for  him.  They  drove 
along  slowly  and  made  short  drives,  and  every  setting 
sun  brought  them  nearer  to  that  loved  place-  home. 
They  had  camped  for  the  night  in  Portnuif  Canon, 
about  half  a  mile  above  an  Indian  farm. 

Shepard  said :  ''  There  is  good  feed  amongst  those 
willows,  but  it  is  a  nasty  place  for  a  horse.  We  can- 
not hobble  them  here,  for  if  they  got  down  it  would 
be  the  last  of  them." 

"  You  had  better  hobble  them,  for  they  may  go  off 
if  loose." 

"  I  dare  not  do  so,  John,  and  it  would  be  better  to 
have  them  go  off  than  find  one  or  both  dead  in  a  mud 
hole.  We  shall  have  to  tie  them  up  without  feed  or 
risk  their  going  off.  I  will  turn  them  loose  and  risk 
it." 

Burnwood  was  up  two  hours  before  daylight  to 
make  breakfast.  After  he  ate  breakfast  he  called 
vShepard  and  Ben,  saying :  ''  Get  up,  boys,  I  have 
some  nice  boiled  beans.  Get  up  and  eat  them  before 
they  are  cold.  You  will  find  them  real  good.  I  do  not 
hear  the  horses  around,  so  I  will  go  and  find  them." 

Shepard  raised  on  his  elbow,  and  looked  at  his  watch 
by  the  glare  of  the  fire,  and  fi-nding  it  early,  he  lay 
down  again.  He  thought  another  nap  was  worth 
more  than  boiled  beans. 

It  was  just  daylight  when  Burnwood  returned  and 
called :  ''  William,  get  up ;  the  horses  are  gone  and 
I  can't  find  them  anywhere." 

*'  Horses  gone  !  " 

No  need  to  call  twice  now,  for  Shepard  was  up  in 
a  moment,  and  said  while  throwing  on  his  clothes: 
"  Where  haA^e  you  been  ?  Did  you  look  on  the  Indian 
farm  ?  " 

"  Yes,  I  have  just  come  up  from  there,  and  they 
are  not  around." 


More  Disappointment.  6i 

Ben  got  up  and  made  for  the  boiled  beans.  Shepard 
did  not  think  of  breakfast,  but  started  up  the  road 
following  some  horse  tracks.  They  turned  to  the  left 
in  the  hills,  and  after  about  four  hours'  fruitless  search 
he  returned  to  the  wagon.  He  found  Rurnwood  and 
Ben  sitting  on  the  wagon  tongue,  and  the  former  look- 
ing as  surly  as  a  bear. 

**  I  suppose  you  have  not  seen  the  horses  ?  "  said 
Shepard. 

"  No,  we  have  not.  If  you  had  taken  my  advice  and 
hobbled  them,  they  would  have  been  all  right.'' 

"  Taken  the  devil !  "  exclaimed  Shepard.  "  We, 
could  not  l¥)bble  them  in  a  place  like  this.  It  is  no 
use  to  growl  now  the  horses  are  gone.  It  would  have 
been  best  to  have  tied  them  to  the  wagon  and  let  them 
go  hungry  one  night,  but  damned  iools  never  learn 
anything  until  too  late.  I  will  take  a  little  breakfast 
now,  for  I  am  about  played  out." 

"  What  are  we  to  do-,  William  ?  " 

"  Find  them,  of  course." 

"  But  suppose  the  Indians  have  run  them  off?" 

"  Then,  we  must  give  them  all  our  money,  which  is 
only  two  dollars  and  seventy-five  cents,  and  if  that 
won't  do,  my  pistol  and  Ben's  rifle  must  go." 

Ben  said :  "  Maybe  they  have  got  them  in  the  stable, 
and  that's  why  pa  could  not  see  them." 

"  I  will  go  down  and  see  if  they  are  there." 

"  But,  William,  if  they  won't  let  them  go?  " 

"  I  shall  take  them,  and  if  the  red  devils  get  in  the 
way  they  will  get  hurt.  If  you  want  to  see  fun,  come 
down  and  see  how  I  knock  them." 

Neither  Burnwood  nor  Ben  wanted  to  go,  so  looking 
to  his  pistol  Shepard  started  to  the  Indian  farm. 
Before  he  reached  the  farm,  his  heart  was  made  glad 
by  the  sight  of  the  horses  quietly  feeding  in  the  field, 
and  they  were  full  as  a  tick.  They  must  have  noticed 
the  stack  and  good  feed  in  the  field  and  gone  back 


62  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

to  get  some  of  it.  Taking  the  horses  back  to  the 
wagon,  Shepard  said  to  Burnwood :  *'  You  are  a  fine 
fellow  to  get  up  in  the  middle  of  the  night  and  go 
hunting  for  horses  in  the  dark,  and  when  you  do  not 
see  them  come  and  say  they  are  lost  or  stolen ;  and 
set  us  upon  a  wild  goose  chase.  The  horses  have  bet- 
ter sense  than  that.  Put  the  harness  on  and  let  us 
go." 

"  What  did  the  Indians  say  ?  "  asked  Burnwood. 

"  I  did  not  see  an  Indian,  an-d  when  I  got  the  horses 
I  did  not  look  for  any.  If  there  had  been  a.ny  of  them 
around  we  might  have  had  a  bill  of  damages  to  pay. 
The  horses  are  almost  too  full  to  travel,  but  we  will 
have  it  out  of  them  by  night." 

They  got  along  well  for  several  days,  and  when  they 

reached  the  town  of  B Burnwood  said :    '*  I  have 

a  friend  here  I  want  to  see,  so  we  will  drive  to  his 
place  and  he  will  give  us  dinner  and  feed  our  team." 

Jacob  Goodman,  Burnwood's  friend,  treated  them 
well.  After  dinner  Burnwood  told  Jacob  that  he  had 
some  splendid  mines  up  North,  and  they  would  pay 
him  big  yet.  He  had  to  leave  them,  as  he  was  not 
fixed  to  work  them  in  the  winter.  Burnwood  ended 
by  asking  Jacob  to  lend  him  a  hundred  dollars  for  a 
year. 

Jacob  got  the  money  and  said :  "  What  about  a  note 
to  secure  the  payment  of  it  ?  " 

"  Well,  Jacob,"  said  Burnwood,  ''  you  can  have  a 
note  if  you  wish  it,  but  it  is  hardly  necessary,  is  it  ?  " 

"  Well,  we  will  not  mind  it,"  and  so  saying,  Jacob 
handed  the  money  to  Burnwood,  who  said  he  would 
pay  the  money  back  in  a  year  or  before. 

Shepard  brought  out  the  horses  and  they  started  off 
again.  They  had  little  to  say  for  some  time,  for 
Shepard  could  not  help  thinking  it  looked  bad  for 
Burnwood  to  avoid  giving  a  note  for  the  money. 

After  a  time  Burnwood  said :  "  I  would  let  you  have 


More  Disappointment.  63 

a  little  money,  William,  but  winter  is  here  and  I  do 
not  know  when  I  shall  get  work." 

"  I  do  not  wish  any,  neither  do  I  expect  any/'  said 
Shepard.  "  I  know  you  have  plenty  to  do  with  the 
money." 

Shepard  was  thinking  of  their  -note,  and  he  supposed 
Burnwood  had  borrowed  the  money  so  he  couid  pay 
for  the  wagon.  When  they  reached  Burnwood's  home, 
there  were  many  inquiries  in  regard  to  Blackman  and 
his  mines.  Shepard  told  them  to  see  Burnwood,  who 
could  tell  them  all  about  the  mines,  for  it  was  a  sub- 
ject he  did  not  care  to  talk  about.  But  he  told  Harry 
Burnwood  all  he  had  heard  and  seen  of  Blackman.  and 
his  mines.  Harry  was  not  much  surprised,  for  he  had 
begun  to  think  something  was  wrong.  Blackman's 
wife  had  been  confined,  and  Blackman  had  not  been 
down  to  see  his  child,  neither  had  he  sent  a  dim£  to 
his  wife.  So  Harry  had  to  support  her  and  buy  clothes 
for  the  child.  There  was  no  more  boasting  about 
**  George  "  and  "  his  mines." 

Harry  and  Burnwood  wanted  Shepard  to  take  the 
wagon,  and  said  he  ought  to  take  it,  for  they  "  had  no 
use  for  it." 

Shepard  refused  to  takie  it,  and  said :  '*  I  have  three 
wagons,  and  have  not  use  for  them,  so  cannot  take  this 
one.  I  did  not  want  to  get  this  wagon ;  it  was  bought 
for  you,  as  you  thought  yosu  must  have  one,  and  I  cer- 
tainly expect  you  to  pay  for  ii." 

Shepard  did  not  quarrel  with  them,  but  was  dis- 
appointed and  disgusted  at  the  selfishness  of  the  men. 
Right  glad  was  Shei^ard  to  reach  home,  and  tlwugh 
he  came  back  empty-handed,  the  welcome  be  received 
could  not  have  been  warmer  if  he  had  brought  a  for- 
tune. His  little  wife  hugged  him  so  tight,  he  was 
afraid  she  would  kink  his  neck.  He  had  brought 
candy  and  marbles  for  the  little  ones,  and  all  were 
happy  to  have  **  pa  "  home  again.    He  found  his  wife 


64  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

had  just  sold  their  last  cow,  so  taking  the  money  he 
called  upon  Mr.  Bloodsucker  and  paid  him  the  inter- 
est, and  that  leech  was  very  nice  and  said :  '*  If  you 
will  pay  your  interest  promptly  I  will  renew  your  note 
for  another  year  or  two,  and  I  would  like  it  done 
soon." 

Shepard  replied :  "  I  will  see  what  I  can  do  about 
raising  the  money  to  pay  the  note.  I  shall  be  pleased 
to  renew  if  I  cannot  get  the  money." 

Shepard  saw  his  creditors  and  informed  them  he 
had"  been  unfortunate  on  his  trip  north,  and  had  not 
earned  a  cent,  but  he  would  sell  something  and  settle 
with  them  in  thirty  days.  The  next  thing  to  do  was 
to  sell  the  ranch,  but  he  found  it  a  difficult  thing  to  do. 
Several  wanted  it,  but  would  pay  little  for  it.  He 
expected  to  sell  it  for  two-thirds  of  its  cost.  That 
would  pay  all  his  debts  and  lift  a  mortgage  off  the 
home  and  leave  him  enough  to  live  on  for  some 
months  to  come.  Yes,  he  could  get  along  very  nicely 
if  he  could  sell  without  too  much  loss.  But  he  could 
not  sell  for  a  fair  price,  so  he  finally  sold  for  about 
one-third  of  its  cost. 

He  felt  discouraged  at  the  sacrifice,  and  sakid  to  his 
wife :  "  I  could  have  put  my  creditors  off  until*  spring 
and  have  gotten  several  hundred  dollars  more  for 
the  ranch,  but  they  need  the  money,  ajid  no  one  shall 
suft'er  on  my  account.  I  would  rather  part  with* every- 
thing." 

Mr.  Bloodsucker  called  to  have  the  note  renewed, 
and  was  surprised  and  quite  mad  when  his  money 
was  put  before  him. 

Mr.  Shepard  said :  "  I  do  not  intend  to  be  any 
man's  slave ;  take  your  money  and  let  me  hear  from 
you  no  more." 

Bloodsucker's  talk  and  bluster  had  hurt  him,  for  he 
did  not  wish  to  call  in  his  money;  for  he  knew  he 
could  not  get  two  per  cent,  per  month  again.     Mr. 


More  Disappointment.  65 

Shepard  had  paid  him  nearly  half  the  principal  in 
interest. 

After  paying  all  bills  due,  Shepard  made  the  family 
comfortable  for  the  winter.  He  bought  dolls  and 
candy,  and  made  Christmas  a  merry  one  for  the  chil- 
dren, and  he  and  his  wife  had  a  very  happy  time  in 
spite  of  all  troubles  and  losses.  When  the  New  Year 
came  in  Shepard  went  to  the  mines  to  seek  work,  and 
got  employment  at  the  mine  where  we  found  him  at 
the  commencement  of  this  story.  He  worked  steady, 
and  in  the  spring  began  to  feel  himself  again,  but  his 
troubles  were  not  over  yet.  First,  he  got  a  letter  from 
Mr.  Long,  requesting  him  to  call  and  take  up  that 
note  given  for  the  wagon.  After  that  he  had  sickness 
in  his  family.  He  then  got  hurt  in  the  mine  and  was 
laid  off  for  many  weeks.  Before  he  got  up  he  was 
served  with  a  sumirions  to  appear  in  the  District 
Court.  Mr.  Basemant  had  closed  the  mortgage  on 
the  home.  Mr.  Basemant  was  an  apostate  Mormon 
and  had  joined  the  Methodist  Church ;  and  delighted 
at  their  meeting  to  rant  and  rail  against  his  former 
brethren.  He  would  say :  "  There  is  not  a  man  in 
the  Mormon  Church  but  what  is  corrupt;  no,  not 
one." 

He  was  sick  of  Utah  and  wanted  to  sell  out. 
Shepard  heard  of  it,  and  a  year  before  .the  summons 
was  served  upon  him  he  called  upon  Mr.  Baseman  to 
learn  his  price.  He  found  Baseman  wanted  a  good 
price,  in  fact  all  the  place  had  cost  him,  but  would  give 
"  long  time  "  on  part  if  he  got  part  cash  down.  Shep- 
ard concluded  not  to  purchase,  but  Mrs.  Shepard 
wanted  the  pla^re  and  advised  him  to  buy  it. 

Shepard  said :  "  No,  dear,  we  will  let  it  go.  I 
would  like  it  quite  well,  for  it  would  make  a  splendid 
home ;  but  I  cannot  raise  the  money  at  present." 

Weeks  passed,  and  Mr.  Baseman  had  called  sev- 
eral times  to  see  if  Shepard  would  take  the  place.  He 
5 


66  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

said :  "  If  you  will  pay  me  a  third  of  the  price  down  1 
will  give  you  four  years  to  pay  the  rest."  Shepard 
concluded  to  take  it.  When  all  was  ready  for  trans- 
fer Baseman  said :  "  Could  you  not  pay  me  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  dollars  at  the  end  of  the  first  year  ?  " 

Shepard  thought  he  could,  so  Baseman  said :  "  We 
will  make  out  two  notes,  one  for  a  year,  and  one  to  be 
paid  in  four  years." 

Shepard  replied :  "  I  do  not  like  that.  I  will  give 
you  one  note,  and  if  I  have  the  money,  I  will  pay  you 
one  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  in  one  year." 

Baseman  said  it  would  suit  him  better  to  get  two 
notes.  He  should  need  a  little  money  at  the  end  of 
the  year,  and  would  like  it  fixed  that  way,  but  if 
Shepard  should  not  have  the  money,  he  would  let  the 
note  run  along  with  the  other.  A  few  days  after- 
ward, they  went  to  Mr.  Snow  to  have  the  deed  and 
notes  made.  Mrs.  Baseman  and  a  dear  friend  of  hers 
was  with  them.  When  they  reached  the  office  door 
Shepard  said :  *'  Before  we  go  in,  we  had  better  under- 
stand each  other.  I  am  not  doing  anything  at  pres- 
ent, and  know  not  how  long  it  may  be  before  I  get 
a  situation,  so  I  do  not  like  to  bind  myself  to  pay 
one  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  at  the  end  of  the  year. 
I  would  rather  not  take  the  place.  I  expect  to  go 
North  and  do  well.  I  have  money  out  that  will  pay 
you  if  I  can  get  it  in ;  I  think  I  can  pay  you,  but  am 
not  sure." 

Mr.  Baseman  replied :  "  If  you  should  not  have  the 
money,  it  will  be  all  right.  I  will  not  distress  you, 
but  will  let  the  note  run  with  the  other.  All  I  ask  is 
the  interest." 

"  You  give  me  your  word  of  honor  that  you  will 
let  the  note  run  if  the  interest  is  paid  ?  " 

"  I  do  so." 

Shepard  called  the  attention  of  Mrs.  Baseman  and 
her  friend  to  the  promise,  and  as  it  was  understood 


More  Disappointment.  67 

by  them  all,  they  went  in  and  made  the  transfer,  Mr. 
Baseman  taking  a  mwortgage  on  the  place  to  secure  the 
notes.  The  Basemans  left  the  Territory,  and  at  the 
end  of  the  year  Shepard  paid  his  interest  to  the  agent 
acting  for  them.  While  Shepard  was  laid  up  he  heard 
that  Baseman  had  returned,  and  that  he  did  not  like 
the  North.  Shepard  expected  a  visit  from  him,  but 
instead  he  received  the  summons.  It  was  a  m'iserable 
day  for  Mrs.  Shepard,  for  she  saw  no  way  of  obtain- 
ing the  money  to  clear  the  mortgage ;  and  she  thought 
herself  and  little  ones  would  be  turned  out,  and  the 
place  sold  from  them.  But  not  so  with  Shepard.  He 
had  no  intention  of  being  sold  out.  He  was  put  upon 
his  mettle  and  would  fight  it  out  to  the  bitter  end. 
Though  a  man  of  peace  and  disliking  trouble  and  con- 
tention, he  wished  from  his  heart  that  the  code  was  in 
force,  that  he  might  call  the  "  cowardly  brute  "  out 
for  satisfaction.  There  was  no  sleep  that  night  for 
Shepard  nor  wife.  Shepard  went  to  Salt  Lake  next 
day  and  hobbled  around  on  sticks.  He  had  to  sit  down 
and  rest  on  doorsteps,  and  several  times  he  thought  he 
would  have  to  be  carried  home.  He  found  the  interest 
he  had  paid  had  been  placed  to  his  credit  on  the  first 
note,  and  the  mortgage  had  been  closed  for  non-pay- 
ment of  interest.  He  saw  the  Basemans,  and  they  de- 
nied their  promise  to  let  the  small  note  run  with  the 
other.  He  saw  he  was  in  the  hands  of  the  Philistines, 
and  he  must  either  raise  the  money  or  lose  the  place. 
In  addition  to  the  principal,  there  was  one  hundred 
dollars  costs  to  be  paid.  It  was  a  great  relief  to  Shep- 
ard to  get  home  again,  and  sweet  to  rest  his  exhausted 
body.  He  was  oflf  again  next  day,  and  he  learned 
that  Baseman  had  informed  some  of  his  friends  that 
he  had  come  back  to  live  in  the  old  home.  Baseman 
had  been  around  the  place  and  found  it  much  im- 
proved, and  his  covetous  heart  longed  to  get  it  back 
again,  even  if  he  had  to  debase  his  low-born  soul  ta 


6S  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

do  so.  Shepard  listened  quietly,  and  then  said  in  a  low 
but  earnest  tone :  "  He  will  not  get  it.  He  shall  never 
live  there  again.  He  is  a  black-hearted  rogue,  and 
I  wonder  that  God  does  not  strike  him  down  when  he 
kneels  and  calls  upon  His  name,  in  the  long,  canting, 
hypocritical  prayers.  Think  of  a  thing  like  that  call- 
ing on  the  Lord  to  soften  the  hearts  of  the  Mormons 
and  bring  them  to  light.  What  does  he  know  of  light, 
unless  it  is  the  light  of  a  dollar.  Many  of  these  Mor- 
mons that  he  prays  for  are  as  much  above  him  and 
his  in  godliness  and  nobleness  as  the  mountains  are 
above  the  valleys.  Such  men  as  he  are  a  curse  to  any 
church,  and  for  the  life  of  me  I  do  not  see  how  any 
minister  of  the  gospel  can  take  such  men  by  the  hand 
and  call  them  brother.  No,  he  cannot  have  that  place 
again.  If  it  comes  to  the  worst  I  will  sell  it  to  some 
other  person,  if  I  only  get  the  amount  due  him.  I  have 
spent  over  three  hundred  dollars  in  improvements 
since  I  bought  it.  I  got  material  from  some  of  those 
owing  me  and  got  others  to  do  the  work.  Though  I 
have  paid  out  no  cas^  I  have  spent  much,  and  no  doubt 
he  would  like  to  take  it  all.  I  am  to  blame  for  being 
in  this  fix,  for  no  one  but  a  confounded  fool  would 
have  given  two  notes.  I  have  always  been  a  fool  any- 
way, but  I  think  this  will  teach  me  something.  It 
certainly  ought  to,  for  it  is  bitter  enough." 

Shepard  did  not  have  to  sacrifice  his  home,  for  he 
found  a  friend  who  let  him  have  the  money  to  pay' off 
Baseman.  Shepard  wrote  to  Burnwood  about  the 
wagon,  and  informed  him  in  no  uncertain  tone  that 
he  ought  to  pay  for  it.  Shepard  received  other  let- 
ters from  Mr.  Long,  who  said :  "  The  wagon  has  been 
returned  and  is  much  worn,  and  I  will  have  to  sell 
at  a  low  price.  If  you  will  pay  the  difference  I  will 
send  you  your  note  and  call  it  settled." 

Shepard  wrote  to  Burnwood  and  Harry,  and  as  they 
did  not  seem  willing  to  pay  for  the  wagon,  he  sent  the 


More  Disappointment.  69 

money,  and  was  glad  to  get  it  off  his  hands.  He  saw 
if  Mr.  Long  had  been  so  disposed  he  could  have  re- 
fused to  take  the  wagon  back  and  could  have  made 
him  pay  for  it  in  full. 

Shepard  said  to  his  wife:  "Maggie,  no  one  could 
have  made  me  believe  that  Burnwood  would  act  in 
this  manner.  I  had  so  much  confidence  in  the  man, 
that  when  he  was  in  trouble  years  ago,  and  his  cred- 
itors were  likely  to  take  his  household  furniture,  I 
wrote  him  to  tell  them  I  would  go  his  security  and 
would  give  them  a  mortgage  on  my  home  to  secure 
them  for  any  bill  he  owed.  You  may  remember  that 
my  willingness  to  take  his  debt  upon  me  caused  the 
others  to  wait  and  trust  him.  Well,  I  have  heard 
they  are  waiting  yet.  It  was  fortunate  for  me  they 
did  so,  for,  judging  from  his  action  in  regard  to  the 
wagon,  I  should  have  had  the  others  to  settle.  Still, 
Burnwood  is  not  a  bad  man.  In  fact  he  has  been  one 
of  the  best  men  I  have  known.  His  past  life  has  been 
one  of  benevolence,  of  kindness  and  love  for  his  fellow- 
man.  Poverty  is  the  cause  of  his  present  action,  it 
seems  to  have  shriveled  his  soul,  clouded  his  judgment 
and  blighted  his  sense  of  honor.  Poverty  is  a  cursed 
thing,  and  a  misfortune  that  many  of  us  bring  upon 
ourselves  by  ignorance  and  folly.  We  have  had  many 
losses,  little  woman,  we  have  been  going  down  hill  at 
break-neck  speed,  but  I  hope  to  stop  now.  Burnwood 
is  much  to  blame  for  it,  for  if  he  had  told  me  the 
truth  about  Blackman  I  should  not  have  gone  North. 
I  call  his  treatment  of  me  in  this  wagon  business  most 
shameful.  But  I  will  not  write  one  word  of  com- 
plaint to  him.  He  is  having  trouble  enough.  I  hear 
that  his  daughter  Grace  has  obtained  a  divorce  from 
Blackman.  I3eartail  said  it  would  not  surprise  him 
if  she  got  a  divorce,  but  at  that  time  I  could  not  be- 
lieve she  would  think  of  such  a  thing.  If  Beartail  can 
guess  that  well  half  the  time,  it  will  pay  him  to  come 


7o  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

to  Utah  and  join  the  church,  for  he  could  make  money, 
though  he  may  not  be  a  prophet  nor  the  son  of  a 
prophet.  Burnwood  must  feel  bad  indeed,  when  he 
thinks  how  he  encouraged  Blackman,  and  induced 
his  daughter  to  break  an  engagement  with  a  worthy 
young  man  for  the  sake  of  that  rogue.  He  gave 
Blackman  his  sweet,  fair  girl,  and  furnished  him  a 
home  through  the  winter,  and  he  believed  every  lying 
story  that  Blackman  told  about  his  mines.  No, 
Maggie,  love,  I  shall  not  blame  him.  He  will  have 
gall  and  wormwood  enough  when  he  looks  upon  his 
daughter  and  her  child  and  thinks  of  the  prospects 
before  them.  The  loss  of  money  is  nothing  compared 
to  that  kind  of  trouble.  Maggie,  dear,  we  will  not 
worry  any  more  about  our  losses,  for  if  I  learn  wisdom 
and  economy  from  them,  I  may  be  the  gainer  in  the 
end.''  Shepard  went  back  to  work  and  slowly  but 
surely  was  paying  his  debts.  And  thus  we  find  him 
at  the  commencement  of  this  story. 


Do  Not  Drink.  71 


CHAPTER  VII 

DO  NOT  DRINK. 

A  WARM  friendship  sprung  up  between  Mr.  Shep- 
ard  and  William  Thompson  the  blacksmith.  They 
were  frequently  together  when  off  work,  and  Shepard 
often  took  Thompson  home  with  him  in  his  buggy, 
and  as  they  spun  along  down  the  canon,  Thompson 
would  tell  a  story  or  give  an  account  of  some  incident 
in  his  traA'els.  But  he  would  not  say  anything  about 
himself.  All  Shepard  could  learn  about  him,  was 
that  he  had  come  from  England  and  had  been  in 
America  some  years.  He  said  he  had  no  relatives 
and  no  home.  Thompson  soon  became  a  great 
favorite  with  Shepard's  children.  He  never  went 
over  without  taking  his  pockets  full  of  nuts,  candy,  or 
raisins  for  the  little  ones.  Shepard  told  him  he  was 
foolish  to  waste  his  money  that  way,  besides, it  was 
spoiling  the  children.  Thompson  only  laughed  and 
said,  "  It  is  not  money  wasted,  for  it  does  me  much 
good  to  see  the  little  ones  so  pleased  and  happy.  If  I 
did  not  spend  a  little  money  upon  ihemi,  I  should 
spend  it  on  something  foolish  and  get  less  pleasure 
from  it." 

It  was  true,  for  about  once  a  month  Thompson 
would  go  on  a  big  spree  and  lose  some  work  and 
spend  money  freely.  Every  one  in  the  saloon  must 
drink  with  him,  so  he  soon  ran  up  a  large  account, 
and  Black  Mike  had  the  name  of  putting  down  drinks 
not   taken,   so   Thompson's   money   was   soon   gone. 


^2  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

After  his  spree  he  would  go  to  work  again  and  was 
thoroughly  ashamed  of  himself,  and  Shepard  had 
much  trouble  to  induce  him  to  accompany  him  home. 
A  week  after  one  of  these  sprees  Shepard  took  Thomp- 
son home  with  him  to  spend  Sunday.  As  they  rode 
along  in  the  cool  of  the  Saturday  evening  Thompson 
seemed  more  than  usually  depressed.  He  was  always 
depressed  after  a  spree  and  disliked  everything  but 
work.  When  they  reached  the  mouth  of  the  canon, 
and  a  turn  of  the  road  brought  them  in  full  view  of 
the  setting  sun,  Thompson  started  and  exclaimed : 
''  I  cannot  go  with  you  to-night,  I  must  go  back  to 
the  mine." 

So  saying  he  jumped  from  the  buggy. 

"Why,  what  is  the  matter?"  said  Shepard  in  sur- 
prise.    ''Have   you   forgotten   something?" 

"  No,  but  I  do  not  feel  worthy  to  go  to  your  home 
and  those  little  ones.  It  is  too  good  a  place  for  me, 
the  mine  is  good  enough,  and  I  have  no  right  to  take 
advantage  of  your  kindness." 

''  Don't  talk  nonsense,  Thompson,  but  get  in  the 
buggy  and  come  along.  The  little  ones  do  not  know 
you  drink,  and  I  look  over  that  weakness  for  I  ex- 
pect you  to  overcome  it  yet.  I  want  to  have  a  long 
talk  with  you  to-morrow  about  this  drinking." 

''  I  cannot  go  to-night." 

*'  You  can  and  will."  So  saying,  Shepard  jumped 
out  of  the  buggy  and  took  hold  of  him. 

"  You  must  come,  you  shall  not  go  back.     I  know 

how  it  will  be  if  you  go  back,  the  boys  at  B will 

see  you,  and  of  course  you  would  have  to  take  a  drink 
with  them,  and  in  your  condition  you  would  be  easily 
started  on  another  big  spree.  My  attachment  to  you 
is  not  a  common  friendship  and  I  will  not  see  you  go 
to  ruin.  I  do  not  make  many  friends,  for  most  of  the 
boys  think  I  am  high-toned  and  distant,  because  I 
cannot  share  and  sympathize  with  them  in  their  coarse 


Do  Not  Drink.  73 

amusements.  I  let  them  think  so,  for  it  is  not  worth 
while  to  bother  with  them ;  but  I  feel  different  toward 
you,  and  if  you  have  any  regard  for  me,  you  will 
step  in  the  buggy  and  go  along." 

Thompson  was  deeply  affected  and  without  a  word 
got  in  the  buggy.  Shepard  took  his  seat  and  drove 
along  for  some  time  in  silence.  Presently  he  said : 
"  What  makes  you  so  sad  and  melancholy  this  even- 
ing?    It  is  not  your  late  spree,  is  it?  " 

"  No." 

"  Then  what  is  it  ?  " 

"  I  cannot  tell  you." 

"  I  do  not  want  to  inquire  into  your  private  affairs, 
Thompson,  but  it  appears  to  me  that  you  have  some 
secret  trouble,  and  if  I  can  help  you  in  any  manner  I 
shall  be  pleased  to  do  so.  I  have  noticed  for  some 
time  that  you  would  be  quite  down-hearted  before 
going  on  a  spree.  Did  you  have  trouble  before  you 
left  home  ?  " 

"  Yes." 

"  Was  it  about  a  girl  ?  " 

"  Yes." 

"  I  thought  so.  I  see  you  start  with  surprise ;  well, 
I  will  give  you  my  reason  for  thinking  so.  I  have 
heard  the  boys  talk  a  deal  about  your  spree,  but  not 
one  of  them  ever  said  you  went  after  the  girls.  If  you 
had  done  so  I  should  have  heard  of  it,  for  it  is  about 
the  only  thing  some  of  those  brutes  can  talk  about. 
I  judged  from  this  that  you  had  a  sweetheart  some- 
where, and,  like  a  man,  intended  to  be  true  to  her. 
Did  you  love  the  girl?  " 

"Y^s." 

"  Did  she  love  you  ?  " 

"  Yes.' 

"  Was  there  a  quarrel  ?  " 

"  Yes." 

"  Did  you  write  to  her  after  you  kft  ?  " 


74  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

"  No." 

"  Then  why  not  do  so  now,  and  if  she  will  come 
to  Utah  send  for  her  at  once." 

"  I  cannot  write  to  her." 

"Why  not?" 

"  She  is  dead." 

Thompson  spoke  the  words  in  a  choked  voice,  and 
Shepard  saw  he  had  touched  a  tender  memory  and  he 
said :  "  Forgive  me,  my  friend,  for  giving  you  pain. 
I  shall  not  again  mention  the  past,  and  only  did  so 
now  thinking  I  might  do  you  good." 

They  soon  saw  Shepard's  home  and  the  little  ones 
running  to  meet  them.  Thompson  reached  out  and 
took  up  little  Jack,  for  of  them  all  he  was  Thompson's 
pet,  and  his  cry  of  "  Gimme  some  candee,"  was 
always  answered  to  his  satisfaction. 

A  cute  boy  was  Jack,  and  on  one  occasion  when  his 

mamma  had  taken  him  to  B to  meet  his  father, 

and  his  father  had  bought  a  sack  of  candy  for  the 
children  and  given  him  some,  Jack  looked  at  the  sack 
and  then  at  the  candy  in  his  hand,  and  after  a  mo- 
ment's thought,  said :  "  Papa  when  I  come  to  meet  you 
again  won't  you  buy  me  a  little  sack  all  to  myself?" 

Shepard  laughed,  and  the  next  time  Jack  went  over 
he  got  his  little  sack. 

On  the  following  day,  Shepard  took  Thompson  to  a 
comfortable  seat  in  the  orchard  and  said :  "  Do  you 
like  the  taste  of  liquor  or  beer?  " 

Thompson  smiled  and  said :  "  I  cannot  say  that  I 
do." 

"  Then  why  do  you  drink  it  ?  " 

"  To  drown  care  and  for  a  time  forget  the  past." 

"  But  does  it  drown  care,  and  does  not  the  memory 
of  the  past  come  upon  you  with  greater  force  after 
your  spree?  Does  it  not  occur  to  you  that  you  are 
doing  a  foolish  thing?  Do  you  not  know  you  are 
ruining  body  and  soul?    Nothing  but  harm  can  come 


Do  Not  Drink.  75 

from  it,  and  as  you  sink  lower  and  lower  the  cursed 
stuff  may  lead  you  into  crime." 

At  the  word  crime,  Thompson  started  and  a  strange 
haunted  look  came  into  his  eyes.  Shepard  had 
noticed  that  look  hefore,  and  feeling  pity  for  his 
friend  he  said :  **  Do  not  be  alarmed,  you  have  not 
come  to  that  yet.  Leave  off  drinking  and  you  are 
safe.  Leave  the  cursed  stuff  alone.  Do  not  taste  it. 
Do  not  go  near  it,  and  do  not  let  it  come  near  you 
if  you  can  help  it.  Give  up  the  boys;  though  quite 
friendly,  they  are  your  worst  enemies.  Their  cheery 
"  come  and  take  something,"  is  more  harmful  to  you 
than  a  slap  in  the  mouth  would  be.  A  slap  you  would 
resent  at  once,  then  why  not  resent  a  Knock-down? 
You  will  not  deny  that  their  treating  has  knocked 
you  down  many  times.  You  would  think  it  disgrace- 
ful to  be  knocked  down  in  a  brawl,  but  it  is  a  thousand 
times  more  disgraceful  to  be  knocked  down  by  drink 
while  on  a  drunken  spree.  You  have  not  lost  all 
your  self-respect ;  you  are  ashamed  of  your  weakness 
and  folly ;  so  now  is  the  time  to  throw  off  the  curse, 
now  is  the  time  to  make  the  effort,  before  the  vampire 
has  drawn  your  strength  from  body  and  brain,  and 
left  you  weak  and  helpless  as  a  child." 

Shepard  paused,  but  Thompson  did  not  reply,  so 
he  continued:  "  If  you  do  not  like  the  stuff  why  make 
a  beast  of  yourself  by  drinkingf?  You  may  not  like 
it,  Thompson,  yet  I  have  heard  men  say  the  same 
thing,  who  never  neglected  a  chance  to  fill  up  on  it. 
Neither  did  they  wait  for  a  chance  to  *  turn  up,'  but 
were  ever  on  hand  to  help  some  fool  to  spend  his 
money,  they  having  already  spent  their  own.  To 
drink  to  drown  care  is  foolish,  for  it  does  not  drown 
but  only  gives  care  a  foul  bath,  and  often  changes 
it  to  dark  despair.  The  only  cure  for  care  and 
trouble  that  I  know  of,  is  hard,  earnest  work;  work  of 
body  and  brain  if  need  be,  until  you  are  exhausted 


76  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

and  glad  to  take  sweet  rest.  After  a  day's  hard 
work,  you  see  no  devils  in  the  corner,  no  snakes  in 
your  boots,  and  the  '  jim-jams  '  are  unknown  to  you; 
and  instead  you  get  that  solid  rest  only  known  to  the 
sons  and  daughters  of  toil.  I  am  not  able  to  show 
you  the  horrors  of  drunkenness,  it  is  beyond  my  power. 
You  have  seen  more  of  it  than  I  have,  and  have  also 
felt  the  curse,  and  how  you  can  drink  after  seeing 
its  trail  and  feeling  its  fangs,  is  more  than  I  can 
understand.  My  friend,  I  do  not  know  what  your 
trouble  may  be,  but  I  can  assure  you  drinking  will 
not  help  it,  and  will  not  cure  it." 

"  Why  not  leave  off  drinking  and  look  around  for 
a  wife?  You  seem  to  have  no  object  in  life,  and  if 
you  remain  so,  you  will  go  to  the  dogs.  Get  yourself 
a  good  wife  and  settle  down,  forget  the  past  and 
look  ahead  to  something  better." 

"  I  shall  never  marry  and  cannot  settle  down." 

"  Don't  talk  nonsense,  Thompson.  It  is  not  manly 
or  wise  to  allow  a  quarrel  and  the  loss  of  your  girl, 
to  ruin  your  life.  Think  of  what  I  have  said  and  at 
least  quit  drinking  if  nothing  more." 

No  more  was  said  at  this  time  for  little  Jack  came 
up  and  called :  ''  Come  to  dinner.  "  It  was  a  treat 
for  Mr.  Shepard  to  take  dinner  at  home,  once  a  week, 
and  have,  as  the  boys  called  it,  ''  A  square  meal."  The 
board  at  the  Mountain  Mine  was  poor  and  the  food 
spoiled  in  cooking.  Besides  it  was  not  clean,  and 
sometimes  it  was  actually  filthy.  In  the  hot  sum- 
mer months,  the  flies  were  everywhere  and  in  every- 
thing. The  bunk-room  was  above  the  dining-room, 
and  occasionally  the  bedbugs  would  come  down  for  a 
bite,  and  more  than  once  they  were  seen  on  the  plates, 
crawling  on  the  table  or  sticking  in  the  mush.  You 
people  who  have  clean  homes  and  know  nothing  of  a 
dirty  boarding-house,  will  not  believe  this,  but  never- 
theless it  is  a  fact.     I  fancy  I  see  some  good  house,- 


Do  Not  Drink.  77 

wife  open  her  eyes  with  surprise  and  exclaim  in  dis- 
gust, "  Good  gracious !  Why  do  they  stand  it  ?  "  I 
have  asked  that  question  and  the  only  answer  I  could 
get  was,  "If  you  do  not  like  it,  you  can  leave  it." 

That  is  what  Penurious  Quinn,  the  boarding-boss, 
said.  I  can  hear  the  same  good  dame  say :  '*  Then 
why  don't  they  leave?"  Yes,  that's  it.  Why  don't 
they?  ''Surely  there  must  be  a  reason."  There  is, 
and  it  is  this.  If  they  leave  the  boarding-house,  they 
must  also  leave  work.  "  What !  are  men  not  allowed 
to  board  where  they  please,  in  our  free  America?" 
No  indeed !  If  they  work  at  the  Mountain  Mine, 
they  must  eat  such  food  as  Penurious  Quinn  chooses 
to  give  them,  flies,  bedbugs  and  all.  '*  This  Penu- 
rious Quinn  must  be  a  horrid  man,  a  perfect  tyrant  in 
fact."  Well,  not  so  bad  as  that,  and  I  suppose  at 
home  he  is  considered  a  very  nice  man.  He  is  a  great 
churchman,  and  is  also  trustee  of  one  of  our  churches. 

The  men  of  B thought  him  a  pretty  good  fellow 

before  he  got  the  boarding-house.  A  Mr.  Buford  ran 
the  boarding-house  before  Quinn  got  it,  and  he  did 
allow  one  or  two  married  men  to  board  at  home. 
Quinn  said,  "  The  company  will  run  it  themselves,  and 
I  will  manage  it  for  them.  I  shall  then  let  all  mar- 
ried men  board  at  home,  for  it  is  not  right  to  compel 
them  to  board  at  the  mine."  Well,  he  got  Buford  out, 
and  instead  of  the  company  running  the  boarding, 
Quinn  ran  it  for  himself.  When  the  married  men 
went  to  see  him  about  boarding  at  home,  he  told  them 
he  could  not  allow  them  to  do  so,  for  he  thought  they 
could  not  do  a  day's  work  and  walk  from  town.  The 
town  was  a  little  over  a  mile  from  the  boarding-house, 
and  the  hill  was  not  very  steep.  Yet  he  so  far  forgot 
the  company  and  the  day's  work  as  to  let  three  or  four 
of  them  board  at  home.  But  for  that  sweet  privilege, 
one  of  them  had  to  pay  ten  dollars  per  month,  another 
St  v(  n  dollars,  and  yet  another  five  dollars.    Think  of 


78  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

it !  Ten  dollars  per  month  for  the  privilege  of 
boarding  at  home  with  your  wife  and  family.  I  do 
not  know  what  my  readers  will  think  of  it.  But  I 
honestly  believe  the  man  who  will  basely  rob  the 
working-men  he  finds  in  his  power,  ought  to  be  im- 
prisoned and  kept  from  the  light  of  day.  He  is  not 
only  committing  a  theft,  and  taking  from  the  wife 
and  little  ones  of  the  toiler  the  much-needed  means, 
but  is  also  striking  a  blow  at  the  American  home. 
When  such  things  exist,  is  it  any  wonder  that  we 
hear  and  see  amongst  the  working  classes  the  black 
clouds  and  muttering  thunders  of  discontent?  This 
is  but  one  outrage  that  they  have  to  bear  amongst 
hundreds  of  others.  Penurious  Quinn  was  one  of 
those  small-souled,  grasping  men  who  would  not  hesi- 
tate at  a  lie  to  promote  his  own  welfare.  When 
speaking  to  the  boys,  he  would  promise  better  food, 
and  then  go  and  scold  the  cooks  for  using  too  much 
stuff.  As  a  consequence  he  could  not  keep  a  cook 
long,  and  about  every  month  there  was  a  change. 
After  a  few  days  the  cook  lost  interest  in  the  place 
and  did  not  have  the  decency  to  keep  the  kitchen 
clean,  but  allowed  the  shelves  to  become  literally  black 
with  dead  flies.  To  make  matters  worse,  they  threw 
the  slops  a  few  feet  from  the  door,  so  the  ground 
there  was  black  with  flies,  which,  at  the  approach  of 
any  one,  arose  up  in  swarms,  and  many  of  them  flew 
through  the  open  doors  and  windows  of  the  dining- 
room  and  the  kitchen.  And  Penurious  Quinn  com- 
pelled married  men  to  eat  in  such  a  place,  and  pay 
one  dollar  per  day  for  the  same ;  when  these  men  had 
clean  homes  and  loving  wives  not  thirty  minutes'  walk 
from  the  place.  This  was  not  all.  The  *'  bunk- 
room  "  was  worse  than  many  a  pig  pen.  Penurious 
was  too  high-toned  to  sweep  out  the  room  as  Buford 
had  done,  and  the  waiter  was  too  busy  or  would  not 
do  it.     So  the  floor  was  a  sight  to  see.     Scattered 


Do  Not  Drink.  79 

around  were  straw,  lucerne,  old  playinsj;^  cards,  short 
pieces  of  candle,  pieces  of  giant  powder,  old  socks 
and  old  boots,  old  shirts  and  drawers,  old  overalls,  old 
papers,  a  few  black  bottles,  and  dirt,  dirt,  dirt.  When 
some  one  got  disgi^ted  with  the  condition  of  the  room 
he  would  sweep  it  out,  and  then  it  would  go  along 
until  another  lot  accumulated.  It  was  no  wonder 
that  Shepard  was  glad  when  Sunday  came  to  give  him 
a  day  at  home  away  from  the  filth  and  dirt.  When 
spring  came  the  stench  around  the  Mountain  boarding- 
house  was  quite  strong.     It  would  have  been  horrible 

but  for  a  number  of  pigs  that  came  up  from  B . 

Penurious  got  some  pigs  and  concluded  they  should 

eat  the  waste  from  his  tables.     The  pigs  from  B 

did  not  feel  that  way,  and  being  large  and  strong,  they 
drove  the  small  pigs  of  Penurious  off  and  got  the  best 
of  everything.  Now,  this  was  something  Penurious 
could  not  stand,  so  he  attacked  them  with  club  and 
stone,  and  it  was  laughable  to  see  him  chase  them 
around  the  hill.  They  always  returned  at  meal  times, 
and  they  knew  the  meal  hours  as  well  as  Penurious. 
They  cared  more  for  their  food  than  for  club  and 
stone,  and  they  sorely  tried  poor  Penurious.  His 
brother  church  members  would  have  raised  their  eyes 
and  hands  in  holy  horror,  if  they  had  heard  the  oaths 
he  hurled  along  with  the  stones  at  those  pigs.  Day 
after  day  he  chased  them  off,  but  still  they  returned. 
He  felt  about  beaten,  when,  ah!  lucky  thought.  He 
would  fix  them.  The  next  day  he  brought  up  a  steel 
trap.  A  "  wolf  trap "  the  boys  called  it.  Making 
the  trap  fast  to  a  post  near  the  feeding  place,  he  care- 
fully baited  it  with  a  biscuit,  and  then  retired  to  wait 
for  the  pigs.  He  had  not  long  to  wait,  for  soon  they 
came  along  in  single  file,  led  by  a  grizzly  old  sow. 
She  seemed  to  know  the  feed  had  not  been  brought 
out.  So  she  led  the  way  to  the  kitchen.  This  did 
not  suit  Penurious,  so  he  undertook  to  drive  them  to 


So  An  Old  Dnst/s  Story. 

the  trap.  The  blacksmith's  helper  had  seen  the  trap 
and  he  told  Thompson,  and  when  he  saw  what  Quinn 
was  doing  he  called  to  Shepard  and  the  firem;an  to 
*'  Come  and  see  the  fun."  When  Shepard  went  to 
the  door  he  saw  Quinn  standing  behind  a  lot  of  pigs, 
with  his  legs  and  arms  very  wide  apart,  and  swinging 
his  hands  to  urge  them  to  the  trap. 

''She's  going!"  cried  the  fireman.  "There,  she's 
in !  "  Then  came  a  squeal  that  rang  over  the  hillside. 
The  oM  sow  was  seen  to  struggle  and  throw  herself 
back.  This  drew  her  nose  from  the  trap,  and  away  she 
went  squealing  toward  the  kitchen,  the  other  pigs 
following  her.  It  was  rare  fun  for  the  boys,  and  they 
laughed  heartily.  Quinn  had  heard  them,  for  he  was 
more  determined  than  ever  to  have  a  pig.  But  lead 
as  nicely  as  he  could,  and  drive  as  carefully  as  pos- 
sible, he  could  not  get  them  to  touch  it  again.  He 
worked  with  them  an  hour;  the  boys  looked  out  as 
they  got  the  time.  The  last  time  Shepard  looked  out, 
he  saw  Quinn  with  hatchet  in  hand,  shoving  the  pigs 
toward  the  trap. 

"  The  old  villain  means  to  butcher  one  if  he  can 
get  it  in,"  said  the  fireman.  *'  See,  he  is  trying  to  chop 
them." 

The  stubbornness  of  the  pigs  and  the  boys'  laughter 
had  made  him  furious,  and  he  rushed  on  the  pigs  and 
struck  savagely,  but  the  pigs  were  too  quick  for  him, 
and  he  struck  the  ground  instead  of  them.  ''  Ah,  ah, 
ah !  "  laughed  the  fireman. 

Penurious  tore  after  the  pigs,  and  finding  he  could 
not  catch  them,  he  flung  the  hatchet  after  them  with 
all  his  might.  He  was  wide  of  the  mark  and  as  the 
hatchet  struck  the  rocks  and  sent  the  fire  flying,  he 
wished  those  pigs  in  a  warmer  place  than  the  bottom 
of  the  sea. 

His  trap  lay  there  for  days,  but  he  never  got  another 
bite. 


Do  Not  Drink.  8i 

Such  was  the  Mountain  boarding-house.  Are  there 
many  Hke  it?  For  the  sake  of  suffering  humanity, 
let  us  hope  not.  When  men  are  treated  Hke  this,  is 
it  much  wonder  they  are  glad  to  get  away  on  Saturday 
night  and  go  to  town?  And  should  we  be  much  sur- 
prised that  the  gilded  saloon,  and  the  tinseled  house 
of  shame,  has  a  peculiar  charm  for  them.  Along 
with  badly-prepared  food,  and  most  miserable  sleeping 
rooms,  they  have  many  times  to  bear  the  snubs  and 
insults  of  a  black-faced,  sour-looking,  ignorant,  cruel 
and  tyrannical  boss.  If  men  are  treated  like  beasts, 
the  chances  are  they  will  act  like  beasts.  Is  it  much 
wonder,  I  say,  that  men  are  glad  to  get  away  from 
such  a  place?  And  though  they  go  to  a  dirtier  hole, 
they  hardly  know  it,  for  the  appearance  of  the  place, 
with  its  gilt  and  tinsel,  seems  very  nice  to  them.  And 
then  there  is  **  Black  Mike's  "  cheery  *'  Good  evening 
boys  "  and  his  hearty  ''  What  will  you  take,  boys  ?  " 
And  sweeter  and  more  enticing  still,  is  the  bewitch- 
ing smile,  the  loving,  coaxing,  half-teasing  voice,  so 
soft  and  tender,  the  seductive  little  sigh,  beseeching 
eyes,  with  their  "  you  can  if  you  will  "  look,  and  the 
careless,  reckless  laugh  of  the  "  girls."  Contrasted 
with  the  past  week's  toil  and  discomfort,  this  seems 
like  heaven  to  them.  And  I  am  afraid  it  is  as  near 
heaven  as  many  of  them  will  ever  get.  What  if  they 
do  find  themselves  in  the  back  yard  when  they  awake 
in  the  morning.  They  are  used  to  hardships,  so  it 
does  not  matter,  and  they  are  ready  to  do  it  again  next 
pay  day. 

**  Shameful !  "  I  hear  some  of  my  readers  exclaim. 
So  it  is,  and  I  cannot  find  words  severe  enough  to  ex- 
press my  detestation  of  the  practice.  But  is  the  miner 
wholly  to  blame?  It  appears  to  me  that  some  blame, 
or  at  least  censure,  should  be  put  upon  a  boarding 
boss,  manager,  or  the  company,  who  would  allow  such 
a  state  of  things  as  I  have  related.  It  is  true  few 
6 


82  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

companies  know  what  is  being  done  at  their  mines, 
and  know  Httle  and  care  less  about  the  condition  of 
their  men.  If  they  would  take  a  kindly  interest  in 
their  employes,  and  see  that  they  were  properly  fed 
and  comfortably  housed,  and  would  place  a  little  good 
literature  before  them,  they  would  find  it  would  pay 
in  the  end.  If  this  were  done  there  would  be  no 
occasion  for  such  expressions  as  the  following :  "  That 
was  a  damned  poor  breakfast  we  had  this  morning. 
I  can't  work  with  such  grub  as  that,  and  I  am  going 
to  take  it  easy  this  forenoon.  Taper  off,  pard,  you'll 
give  out  before  noon."  Much  more  is  said  in  the 
same  strain,  and  the  intention  was  to  do  as  little  as 
possible  and  still  hold  the  job.  So  the  boarding  boss 
who  cheats  the  men  indirectly  cheats  the  company. 
Some  may  say  that  cannot  be  if  the  foreman  knows 
his  business.  Quite  frequently  the  miner  knows  his 
business  better  than  the  foreman,  and  if  left  to  do  the 
work  in  his  own  way  he  would  do  more  and  better 
work.  Many  indifferent  miners  become  foremen  or 
shift  bosses,  by  being  blessed  with  a  big  mouth  and 
knowing  how  to  suck.  Such  a  man  was  Cedersen,  the 
foreman  of  the  Mountain  Mine. 


Hogg  Cedersen.  S3 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

HOGG  CEDERSEN. 

Shepard  and  Thompson  rode  home  together  on  the 
following  Saturday.  Thompson  said :  **  Do  you  not 
think  Cedersen  is  partly  to  blame  for  the  men  not 
boarding  at  home  ?  " 

**  Well,"  replied  Shepard,  **  I  hardly  think  he  is. 
Still  it  is  hard  to  tell.  There  are  things  against  him 
which  show  he  is  more  interested  in  Penurious  than 
the  workmen.  I  long  ago  called  him  Penurious's  '  Man 
Friday,'  on  account  of  the  rush  and  splutter  he  gets  in 
when  Quinn  wants  a  horse  or  to  have  anything  done." 

"  You  ought  to  know  the  man  pretty  well,  Shepard, 
and  it  may  be  he  is  not  to  blame,  but  some  of  the  men 
think  so,  and  I  heard  one  of  them  say  the  other  day 
that  the  bosses  are  all  in  with  Quinn,  and  Hogg  as 
bad  as  the  rest." 

"  I  have  heard  so  too,  Thompson,  but  I  do  not  think 
Hogg  has  anything  to  do  with  the  boarding-house.  I 
know  he  gets  some  personal  favors  from  Quinn,  and  I 
think  that  is  all.  Still  that  is  enough  to  keep  him 
quiet  and  he  would  not  be  likely  to  protest  against 
any  outrage  Quinn  should  put  upon  the  men.  Hogg 
is  a  man  who  will  do  anything  for  his  master  and  he 
cares  for  neither  man  nor  principle,  and  he  would  will- 
ingly sacrifice  both  to  keep  his  own  job.  I,  perhaps, 
ought  to  say  nothing  about  him,  for  he  has  treated  me 
well  with  few  exceptions,  and  those  I  can  readily  for- 
give on  account  of  his  kindness  in  other  things.     If  I 


84  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

say  anything  about  Hogg  it  will  not  be  because  of  his 
treatment  of  me,  but  because  of  his  treatment  of 
others." 

"  I  do  not  like  him,"  said  Thompson,  "  and  I  find 
few  outside  of  his  pets  and  Mormon  brethren  that  do. 
How  is  it  that  a  Mormon  has  become  foreman  for 
an  eastern  company  ?  " 

''  I  think  it  was  because  Hogg  was  an  old  hand,  and 
knew  as  much  about  the  mine  as  any  one.  When  the 
last  foreman  left  he  got  Hogg  the  place.  But  why  do 
you  not  like  him  ?  As  a  rule  you  praise  the  Mormons, 
and  why  except  him  ?  " 

"  Because  he  is  such  an  unreasonable  fool,  and  is 
so  sour  and  black  looking,  and  is  such  a  stupid  pig. 
He  is  hog  by  nature  as  well  as  name,  and  has  the 
habits  of  one.  You  must  have  noticed  him  at  the 
table  with  his  elbows  spread  out,  his  shoulders 
rounded,  and  making  as  much  noise  while  taking  his 
soup  as  a  pig  at  the  trough." 

"  Yes,  Thompson,  I  have  noticed  him,  but  what  do 
you  expect  from  a  man  who  has  come  from  low,  ignor- 
ant people,  and  who,  up  to  the  time  he  was  put  in 
charge  here,  was  known  as  a  drunkard  and  gambler, 
and  was  looked  upon  as  such  by  some  of  his  Mormon 
brethren." 

*'  Well,  I  ought  not  to  expect  much  from  a  man 
whose  '  s-h  '  is  like  the  harsh  squeal  of  a  mangy  boar." 

"  You  are  rather  severe  upon  him,  Thompson." 

"  Not  more  than  he  deserves,  Shepard,  and  to  tell 
you  the  truth,  1  am  about  tired  of  his  growls.  Yester- 
day he  ordered  some  work  done  in  a  certain  way,  and 
to-day  he  changed  his  mind  and  then  growled  because 
the  work  would  not  fit  his  last  plan.  He  is  a  stupid 
ass  indeed,  who  growls  at  a  man  for  strictly  obeying 
his  orders." 

Shepard  smiled  but  said  nothing,  and  Thompson 
continued :  "  One  day  he  will  growl  at  the  drills  being 


Hogg  Cedersert.  8^ 

too  hard,  and  the  next  day  because  they  are  too  soft. 
I  have  handled  steel  long  enough  to  know  what  it  will 
stand,  and  I  dislike  to  be  instructed  by  a  fool.  I  am 
not  used  to  anything  of  the  kind  and  it  hurts  me  much 
to  work  under  a  man  I  would  not  have  put  in  charge 
of  a " 

Thompson  paused  a  moment  and  then  continued : 
"  I  would  not  give  him  charge  of  anything.  What 
is  your  opinion  of  the  man?  You  have  one,  I  know, 
though  you  do  not  let  it  be  known.  I  think  you  dis- 
like the  man  as  much  as  I  do." 

Shepard  smiled  again  and  said :  "  I  do  not  dislike 
the  man  as  much  as  you,  but  I  dislike  some  of  his 
ways  and  doings  more  than  you  possibly  can." 

"  I  do  not  understand  that,"  said  Thompson,  "  please 
explain." 

**  I  will  do  so.  When  a  Gentile  is  discharged,  a 
good  miner  and  steady  workman,  because  he  has  ex- 
pressed an  honest  opinion  about  the  working  of  the 
mine,  and  a  worthless  Mormon  yap  is  put  in  his  place, 
I  bum  with  indignation.  Many  a  good  Gentile  miner 
has  been  discharged  on  account  of  the  lies  told  to 
Hogg  by  the  Mormon  suckers  he  keeps  around  him. 
Knowing  this  to  be  a  fact,  and  knowing  that  he  will 
put  a  Mormon  friend  to  work  though  he  be  a  poor 
miner,  and  let  the  first-class  Gentile  miner  walk  out 
of  camp  for  want  of  a  job,  I  say  I  dislike  his  ways, 
for  they  are  most  execrable.  I  dislike  to  see  a  Mormon 
take  the  place  of  a  Gentile,  for  the  Mormon  gives 
some  of  his  money  to  support  a  church  that  would 
close  every  mine  in  Utah  if  it  had  the  power.  I  do 
not  think  Hogg  would  like  to  see  the  mines  closed 
down,  and  I  believe  he  would  deny  the  church  if  it 
was  necessary  to  do  so  to  keep  his  job.  He  likes  good 
food  and  good  whiskey,  and  thinks  more  of  himself 
than  church  or  anything  else." 

"  I  see,"  said  Thompson,  *'  that  you  have  no  higher 


86  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

opinion  of  him  than  I  have,  but  I  hate  the  man  as  well 
as  his  ways  and  see  no  good  about  him." 

"  He  is  good  to  his  friends,  Thompson ;  say  what 
you  please,  but  that  is  a  fact  you  must  admit." 

*'  God  save  me  from  such  friends,"  exclaimed 
Thompson. 

"  It  is  true  they  are  not  of  the  highest  character,  but 
they  are  about  as  good  as  Ho;jg.  As  you  say,  I  have 
an  opinion  of  the  man,  and  I  am  not  afraid  to  give  it 
either.  I  have  closely  studied  him,  and  he  is  without 
doubt  the  most  self-opinionated  man  I  ever  knew. 
He  hates  like  the  devil  to  be  told  anything,  and  will 
have  his  way  right  or  wrong.  He  is  constantly  med- 
dling with  things  that  do  not  concern  him,  and  if  he 
gets  down  on  a  man,  he  will  watch  like  a  cat  for  some- 
thing to  find  fault  with,  and  if  the  master  mechanic 
should  accidentally  interfere  with  his  work  then  he  is 
off  at  once  to  tell  the  manager  about  it.  There  have 
been  three  master  mechanics  here,  who  I  am  sure  have 
been  discharged  on  account  of  his  tales,  and  he  would 
get  the  present  one  out  if  he  could.  The  master 
mechanic  is  supposed  to  have  charge  of  the  machinery 
and  the  men  that  run  it.  Hogg  has  the  idea  that  he  is 
boss  of  everything  but  the  master  mechanic,  and  acts 
accordingly.  Of  course  a  man  who  knows  his  busi- 
ness  will  not  stand  his  meddling,  so  trouble  begins. 
When  once  started,  Hogg  will  rule  or  ruin,  and  he 
generally  does  both.  Some  of  the  men  in  the  past 
trouble  took  sides  with  the  master  mechanic,  and  as 
soon  as  Hogg  discovered  it,  he  found  a  way  to  get  rid 
of  them.  Though  he  is  sly  and  crafty,  he  is  not  smart 
enough  to  hide  his  tricks." 

**  What  is  the  reason,  Shepard,  that  you  have  been 
able  to  stay  with  him  so  long,  you  being  so  much 
against  Mormonism  ?  " 

'*  By  minding  my  own  business,  and  leaving  Mor- 
monism alone." 


Hogg  Cedersen.  87 

"  Have  you  always  done  so?  " 

"  I  have,  unless  they  attacked  me  or  my  country,  or 
meddled  with  my  work.  Some  of  the  Mormon  fools 
have  made  that  mistake,  and  it  would  make  you  laugh 
to  see  their  surprise  when  they  found  they  had  cau^s^ht 
a  Tartar.  His  Mormon  friends  have  told  him  what  I 
said,  and  it  has  made  him  sour  for  a  few  days,  but  I 
paid  no  attention  to  him,  and  it  passed  away.  I 
offended  him  very  much  on  one  occasion,  and  he  tried 
to  be  disagreeable.  My  fireman  is  a  spy  and  reports 
to  Hogg  every  thing  I  do,  and  also  what  the  others 
do  on  my  shift.  He  has  also  got  one  on  the  other 
shift,  and  has  got  them  in  the  mine,  and  whatever  they 
see  or  hear  they  carry  to  him.  When  Hogg  has  been 
drunk,  I  have  heard  him  boast  that  he  knew  every- 
thing that  was  done,  whether  he  was  there  or  not. 
About  the  time  I  speak  of  my  fireman  and  the  carman, 
who  is  also  a  good  Mormon,  had  a  quarrel,  so  the 
fireman  concluded  to  get  him  discharged.  We  were 
on  night  shift  and  the  carman  did  not  send  up  much 
stuff.  The  fireman  noticed  this  and  began  to  talk  to 
me  in  this  style :  *  Ben  is  not  doing  much.  He  seems 
to  do  as  he  likes.  He  has  been  here  too  long,  and  it  is 
about  time  he  was  going  to  the  office.  I  guess  he  is 
sleeping  part  of  the  time.  This  won't  do,  he'll  get 
fired.     Hogg  will  drop  on  to  it  pretty  soon.' 

"  After  a  few  nights  of  such  talk  I  expected  Ben  to 
be  discharged,  but  he  was  not.  Ben  said  to  me  one 
morning:  'You  didn't  have  much  to  do  last  night?' 
*  No; '  I  replied,  *  what  were  you  doing? '  *  Oh,  I  was 
taking  it  easy.' 

"  I  told  him  to  be  careful,  for  the  fireman  was  growl- 
ing considerably  about  him. 

"  He  said :  *  I  don't  see  what  Hoorg  keeps  a  man  like 
him  for.  for  he  is  always  growling,  and  meddling 
with  somebody's  business.  What  do  you  think  he 
keeps  him  for  ? ' 


88  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

"  I  told  him  I  thought  that  Hogg  kept  him  because 
he  was  a  boss  sucker,  and  carried  everything  to  his 
master.  I  want  to  say  right  here,  Thompson,  that  a 
man  is  a  damned  fool  who  will  take  sides  with  a  Mor- 
mon. He  had  better  let  them  eat  one  another,  for  if 
he  doesn't  the  chances  are  they  will  turn  around  and 
eat  him.  This  cur  told  Hogg  what  I  had  said,  and  a 
few  days  after  the  carman  and  fireman  became  the  best 
of  friends.  Hogg  always  keeps  a  few  men  of  this 
kind  around  him.  As  long  as  they  obey  him  they  can 
nearly  do  as  they  please.  This  same  fireman  had  no 
business  near  a  boiler,  for  night  after  night  he  would 
let  his  steam  get  too  high  or  too  low.  He  would  fix 
a  comfortable  place  to  lie,  then  throw  in  a  big  fire  and 
sleep  until  it  burnt  down  and  was  awakened  by  the 
man  below  ringing  for  steam.  The  bell  did  not 
always  awaken  him  and  sometimes  I  would  have  to 
kick  him  several  times  before  I  would  get  him  up.  For 
months  I  did  the  firing  rather  than  bother  with  him. 
I  attended  to  the  water  for  fear  he  would  blow  up  a 
boiler.  When  left  to  himself  he  would  let  the  water 
out  of  the  glass  and  below  the  tubes,  or  pump  them 
up  until  it  ran  out  of  the  safety  valve." 

**  It  is  not  possible,"  exclaimed  Thompson. 

"  It  is  a  fact  just  the  same." 

"  Did  not  the  foreman  or  master  mechanic  know  of 
it?" 

"  Not  for  a  long  time,  but  one  day  when  on  day 
shift,  I  was  very  busy  and  did  not  have  tirne  to  attend 
to  the  water.  The  fireman  was  also  busy,  but  there 
were  times  when  he  could  sit  and  rest.  I  told  him  to 
attend  to  the  water  when  I  was  at  the  engines.  He 
would  not  do  so  and  we  had  a  few  words.  I  still 
attended  to  the  water,  and  two  days  together  while  I 
was  letting  the  men  down  he  sat  by  the  boilers  and  let 
them  fill  with  water  before  he  would  get  un  and 
change  it.     I  could  stand  it  no  longer.     I  told  him 


Hogg  Cedersen.  89 

kindly  and  quietly  to  attend  to  his  work  or  I  should 
have  to  report  him,  which  was  something  I  did  not  like 
to  do.  He  replied  in  an  impudent  manner,  and  told 
me  to  mind  my  own  work,  he  knew  his  and  was  doing 
it.  I  was  surprised  and  vexed,  but  controlling  myself 
I  asked  him  if  neglecting  the  water  was  attending  to 
his  work. 

"  He  said :  *  I  have  nothing  to  do  with  the  water.' 

"  '  Who  told  you  so? '  I  exclaimed. 

**  'Hogg  told  me,  so  you  mind  your  own  busi- 
ness.' 

**  Well,  Thompson,  I  need  not  tell  you  that  I  was 
angry,  or  that  the  words  I  used  were  more  forcible 
than  polite.  He  thought  it  best  to  go  out  of  the  way 
for  a  while  for  the  good  of  his  health.  I  spoke  to  the 
master  mechanic  and  he  said  I  had  better  attend  to 
the  water,  for  it  seemed  like  taking  things  out  of  my 
hands  to  make  the  fireman  do  it,  but  the  fireman  must 
do  all  the  firing.  I  talked  a  little  and  found  that  he 
was  afraid  of  Hogg.  I  went  back  to  my  engine  saying 
to  myself,  '  All  right,  gentlemen,  good  enough.'  I  did 
no  firing  after  that  and  when  we  went  on  the  next 
night  shift  there  was  much  kicking  by  the  men  below 
about  steam.  They  went  to  the  bosses,  and  the  bosses 
came  to  me.  I  told  them  I  had  no  control  over  the 
fireman  since  they  told  him  I  must  see  to  the  water. 
He  paid  no  attention  to  me  and  would  sleep  half  the 
time  in  spite  of  all  I  said.  They  spoke  to  him  but  it 
did  no  good,  for  next  night  he  slept  as  sound  as  ever. 
They  have  come  into  the  works  late  at  night  and 
caught  him  sleeping.  They  awoke  him  and  went  out, 
and  he  would  lay  down  again  and  go  to  sleep.  He  has 
wasted  much  coal  by  letting  the  steam  run  up  and 
blow  oflf  for  more  than  an  hour  at  a  time,  but  the  loss 
by  letting  the  steam  down  and  stopping  the  pumps  and 
keeping  the  men  idle  must  have  been  very  great." 

"  And  they  allow  a  man  like  that  to  stay?  " 


90  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

"  They  do,  but  the  master  mechanic  does  not  like  it 
and  would  discharge  him  if  he  had  the  power." 

*' Why  does  he  not  inform  the  manager?" 

''  He  seems  to  be  afraid  of  Hogg,  and  that  may  be 
the  reason.  The  strangest  thing  about  it,  is  the  man- 
ager allowing  Hogg  to  interfere  with  the  master  me- 
chanic. Hogg  knew  nothing  of  machinery  when  he 
came  here,  and  does  not  know  much  now.  The  poor- 
est machinist  we  have  had  knew  more  than  Hogg 
could  ever  get  in  his  thick  skuil.  It  is  shameful  to  see 
trouble  between  the  bosses  and  very  demoralizing  to 
the  workmen." 

"  Is  Hogg  such  an  extra  good  miner  that  the  man- 
ager allows  him  to  have  his  own  way  ?  " 

'*  I  suppose  the  manager  thinks  so,  for  he  seems  to 
think  a  deal  of  him.  But  good,  competent  miners  that 
have  worked  for  him,  say  Hogg  is  only  average.  And 
I  have  heard  several  good  miners  say  that  the  Moun- 
tain mine  is  the  worst  managed  under  ground  that  they 
ever  saw,  and  that  the  company  have  lost  hundreds  if 
not  thousands  of  dollars  on  account  of  Hogg's  blun- 
ders." 

"  It  does  not  seem  possible,  Shepard,  that  such  a 
state  of  things  could  exist." 

"  It  does  not,  still  they  are  facts.  But  this  is  not  all. 
I  have  known  Hogg  to  keep  Mormons  at  work  for 
weeks  when  he  himself  said  they  were  no  good  and 
not  worth  anything.  He  did  not  like  them  and  only 
kept  them  because  some  Mormon  high  in  the  church 
had  asked  him  to  give  them  work.  Hogg  had  never 
been  anything  amongst  his  own  people  before  he 
became  foreman  here,  and  when  those  above  him 
began  to  notice  him  he  was  ready  to  do  anything  for 
them.  If  he  was  not  afraid  of  his  own  job  he  would 
hardly  keep  a  Gentile  here.  And  as  it  is  he  only 
keeps  such  Gentiles  as  he  can  control,  for  some  of 
the  Gentiles  are  as  bad  to  tattle  as  some  of  his  Mpr- 


Hogg  Cedersen.  91 

mons.  The  only  reason  he  has  for  keeping  my  fire- 
man is  on  account  of  the  tales  he  carries  to  him,  for  all 
Mormons  are  not  dear  to  him  by  any  means.  If  he 
finds  one  anyway  manly  or  independent  he  has  no 
use  for  him.  And  he  has  no  use  for  his  best  Mormon 
suckers  if  their  talk  is  likely  to  hurt  himself.  My  last 
fireman,  the  great  Mormon  Growler,  talked  so  much 
that  it  got  to  the  ears  of  the  manager  and  Hogg  got 
orders  to  let  him  go.  This  man  had  done  everything 
Hogg  desired  and  it  would  be  impossible  to  find  a 
greater  crawler.  He  had  done  dirty  work  for  Hogg 
for  a  long  time,  and  if  Hogg  could  have  kept  him  he 
would  have  been  working  here  to-day.  But  mark,  as 
soon  as  Hogg  found  Growler's  talk  was  injuring  him 
he  said  to  the  men :  '  Growler  is  no  good.  Damn  him. 
1  don't  want  him  any  longer,  and  don't  want  him  to 
come  near  me  again.' 

"  Well,  Thompson,  you  may  judge  for  yourself 
what  I  think  of  a  man  who  employs  such  execrable 
methods  to  learn  what  his  men  are  doing.  I  have 
seen  the  man  beastly  drunk,  and  have  heard  him  use 
the  most  foul  and  vile  language,  and  have  seen  him 
act  the  brute  in  many  ways.  I  have  seen  much  of  him 
and  naturally  I  have  formed  an  opinion  of  the  man. 
I  leave  you  to  guess  what  it  is.  The  only  good  thing 
I  know  of  the  man  is  his  kindness  to  his  friends,  and 
that  has  mostly  been  at  the  expense  of  the  company. 
You  have  wondered  how  I  couM  stay  here  so  long. 
I  will  tell  you  the  secret.  When  I  had  been  at  the 
mine  a  few  days  I  was  called  to  help  Hogg  and  the 
second  timberman  put  up  a  set  of  timbers.  The  tim- 
berman  was  a  Mormon  and  a  fair  workman,  and  Hogg 
was  desirous  to  push  him  along  up  to  first  place.  But 
the  timberman  was  .stubborn  and  egotistical  like  Hogg 
himself,  and  wanted  his  own  way.  They  had  a  differ- 
ence over  setting  the  timbers,  and  T  saw  if  I  wanted  to 
work  long  for  Hogg  I  must  not  know  too  much  and 


92  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

not  be  too  positive  about  what  I  did  know.  So  I  have 
kept  a  silent  tongue  and  have  got  along  very  well. 
The  timberman  was  not  so  wise  and  was  discharged 
in  a  few  weeks.  But  what  is  the  use  of  talking  about 
Hogg  ?  He  is  not  worth  the  time  we  have  wasted  talk- 
ing about  him.  Pay  no  attention  to  his  black  looks, 
but  let  him  go  to  the  devil,  where  he  belongs." 

''  That  is  easier  said  than  done,  Shepard,  but  you  are 
right  in  the  matter;  still  I  would  rather  give  him  a 
bat  on  the  jaw." 

Shepard  felt  uneasy  about  Thompson.  He  felt  it 
would  be  hard  to  have  him  leave  his  work  and  the 
camp,  for  these  evenings  at  home  with  his  music  and 
songs  were  very  happy  ones.  Besides,  Shepard  felt 
a  brotherly  interest  in  Thompson  and  very  much  de- 
sired to  see  him  settled.  He  saw  that  unless  Thomp- 
son formed  some  attachment,  there  would  be  no  end  to 
his  wandering  life.  The  only  evil  habit  he  had  was 
drinking,  and  Shepard  thought  he  would  break  that  if 
he  married.  Shepard  talked  with  his  wife  about  it, 
and  they  concluded  to  have  a  little  party  on  the  fol- 
lowing Saturday  night,  and  Mrs.  Shepard  was  to 
invite  some  of  her  young  lady  friends.  During  the 
week  Shepard  told  Thompson  about  the  party,  and 
said :  "  I  would  like  to  see  you  settled,  but  you  will 
never  settle  unless  you  marry.  If  you  see  any  one 
at  our  party  that  you  think  you  would  like,  make  her 
acquaintance  and  if  she  learns  to  love  you,  marry  and 
settle  down." 

"  I  shall  never  marry,  Shepard." 

"  Don't  be  foolish,  but  take  my  advice.  You  will 
find  it  the  best  thing  you  can  do." 

**  Perhaps  so,  but  you  don't  understand.  If  I 
wished  to  marry  I  would  do  so  here,  for  I  would  rather 
have  a  Mormon." 

Shepard  did  not  like  the  word  "  rather,"  and  he 
said  sharply: 


Hogg  Cedersen.  93 

"  How  is  that,  Thompson  ?  " 

He  was  surprised  at  Shepard  and  asked: 

"  How  is  what  ?  " 

"  How  is  it  you  would  rather  have  a  Mormon  girl  ?  " 

**  Oh,  I  understand  you.  Well,  from  what  I  have 
seen  of  them  they  seem  equal  to  any,  and  better  than 
some." 

"  That  may  or  may  not  be  true.  But  your  tone  im- 
plied that  they  were  better.  Now,  I  would  not  say  a 
word  about  the  Mormon  girls  or  women.  I  do  not 
doubt  that  there  are  many  good  and  noble  women 
amongst  the  Mormons,  but  I  was  not  thinking  of  them, 
though  there  will  be  several  at  the  party.  I  hoped  you 
might  admire  Miss  Brown,  our  Gentile  *  schoolmarm,' 
but  maybe  you  believe  what  the  Mormon  paper  said 
about  the  Gentile  school  teacher." 

"  No,  I  do  not,  though  some  of  the  Mormons  here 
believe  it." 

"  The  Mormons  will  believe  anything  bad  about  a 
Gentile,  and  some  of  these  Mormons  delight  to  talk 
about  the  sinfulness  of  others,  hoping  to  draw  atten- 
tion from  themselves.  The  Mormons  have  said  the 
young  lady  teachers  that  come  from  the  East  are  low 
and  immoral.  If  a  paper  had  made  that  insinua- 
tion about  the  school  teachers  of  any  other  place 
than  Utah,  the  chances  are  the  editor  would  have  been 
treated  to  a  coat  of  tar  and  feathers.  Instead  of  be- 
ing low  and  immoral,  the  Gentile  teachers  here  will 
compare  with  the  best  that  Mormonism  has  produced. 
Why  should  the  Mormon  girls  be  better  than  others? 
Tell  me  why  they  should  be  as  good. 

'*  The  Mormons  do  not  want  their  daughters  to 
marry  such  as  you,  they  would  rather  see  them  marry 
some  old  polygamous  teacher.  Though  these  girls 
are  good,  don't  you  think  there  is  something  wrong 
alx)ut  their  education  and  make-up  when  they  can 
stomach  an  old  man  with  half  a  dozen  wives?  The 
Mormons  call  our  school  teachers  bad,  but  I  have  yet 
to  hear  of  one  of  them  having  a  stomach  of  that  kind. 


94  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

Thompson,  I  would  be  ashamed  to  say  a  word  against 
any  woman,  be  she  ever  so  bad,  but  when  people  speak 
of  others,  it  is  well  to  inquire  who  and  what  they  are. 
Our  school  teachers  do  not  go  to  ward  dances  and 
drink  whiskey  with  the  boys,  like  some  of  the  Mor- 
mon girls  do." 

*'  Do  the  Mormon  girls  do  so?  " 

"  I  have  heard  that  some  of  them  do.  And  my 
informants  are  Mormons.  I  tell  you  nothing  about 
these  people  but  what  I  have  seen  or  got  from  the 
Mormons  themselves.  There  were  working  here,  a 
few  months  before  you  came,  some  Mormon  men 
from  the  north,  and  I  heard  them  say  that  their 
Bishop's  three  daughters  had  allowed  themselves  to 
be  seduced  before  marriage,  and  the  advent  of  a 
baby  had  proved  it  in  each  case.  I  was  inclined  to 
doubt  the  statement,  but  they  swore  it  was  a  fact,  and 
they  said  one  or  more  of  them  had  got  up  in  meeting 
and  acknowledged  their  sin  and  asked  forgiveness  of 
the  saints  present." 

"  The  devil  you  say !  " 

*'  No,  Thompson,  I  don't  say  the  devil.  I  say  these 
are  only  Mormons,  the  '  peculiar  people,'  the  '  salt  of 
the  earth,'  and  all  that  kind  of  thing,  you  know." 

"Were  those  girls  from  a  polygamous  family?" 

"  No,  their  father  had  but  one  wife,  so  the  men  said. 
If  such  can  come  from  a  Bishop  who  is  supposed  to 
have  the  spirit  of  God  with  him  all  the  time,  what  will 
be  the  offspring  of  the  poor,  ignorant  Mormon  with 
two  wives,  one  small  hut,  and  one  bed?  Do  not  think 
I  infer  that  all  Mormon  men  and  women  are  weak 
or  bad — far  from  it ;  but  I  do  say  when  you  find  them 
good,  you  find  them  better  than  their  religion.  You 
think  me  severe,  but  I  tell  you  nothing  but  the  truth. 
Mormonism  is  the  curse  of  our  fair  country.  It  would 
undermine  the  foundation  of  our  government  and 
throw  down  the  whole  fabric  of  our  institutions  and 


Hogg  Cedersen.  95 

put  in  their  places  its  own  system  of  fraud,  deceit,  and 
debauchery.  It  is  the  Cain  of  the  reHgious  world,  its 
hand  is  against  every  creed  and  every  creed  is  against 
it,  and  they  need  to  be,  for  it  contains  sin  enough 
to  damn  a  world.  If  you  like  the  Mormon  girls,  take 
one  if  you  can  get  her,  but  before  you  marry^  quit 
drinking  and  never  touch  it  again." 

When  Saturday  came,  Thompson  would  not  go  to 
the  party.  Shepard  tried  every  way  to  induce  him  to 
go  over,  but  could  not  move  him.  Shepard  felt  quite 
discouraged,  for  he  saw  Thompson  had  the  blues  and 
was  likely  to  go  on  a  spree  any  day.  Shepard  also 
felt  sorry  and  troubled,  for  he  felt  their  last  conversa- 
tion was  somehow  the  cause  of  Thompson's  gloomy 
condition.  He  thought  much  about  it  as  he  rode 
home,  and  concluded  to  avoid  the  subject  in  the  future. 

When  pay  day  came,  Thompson  and  some. others 
went  to  town  and  stayed  down  drinking  instead  of 
coming  up  again.  Shepard  felt  badly  when  informed 
of  it,  and  partly  blamed  himself  for  bringing  some  un- 
pleasant memory  to  Thompson  and  causing  him  to 
drown  it  in  drink. 

When  Thompson  had  been  off  work  about  a  week, 
a  boy  came  up  to  Shepard  and  said : 

"  Thompson  has  been  locked  up  for  fighting,  and  he 
wants  you  to  go  down  and  get  him  out." 

"  What  has  he  done  ?  "  asked  Shepard. 

"  Two  Swedes  pitched  on  to  him  and  he  laid  them 
out  with  a  chair,  and  then  cleared  the  saloon.  So 
some  one  had  him  locked  up." 

"  Well,  tell  him  I  will  be  down  in  the  morning,  for  it 
is  too  late  to  do  anything  to-night." 

"  He  said  you  must  be  sure  and  come  down  to- 
night, sir.  He  is  badly  scared,  and  he  begged,  me  to 
have  you  go  down  without  fail." 

Shepard  was  tired  and  the  walk  to  town  and  back 
was  unpleasant  to  think  of,  but  having  a  strong  af- 


96  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

fection  for  Thompson,  he  got  his  hat  and  went  at 
once.  He  found  Thompson  greatly  excited,  and  his 
large,  round  eyes  were  wild  and  startled.  He  took 
Shepard's  hand  and  said : 

*'  I  want  you  to  get  me  out  to-night.  I  know  I 
am  asking  too  much,  but  you  will  do  it  I  know.  Get 
me  out  to-night;  I  must  leave  here  before  morning." 

Shepard  tried  to  calm  him,  and  told  him  it  would 
be  best  to  stay  until  morning  and  take  his  trial. 
Thompson  got  more  excited  and  exclaimed: 

"  Get  me  out  and  you  shall  not  lose  anything  by  it. 
I  have  about  twenty  dollars  due  me  from  the  mine, 
and  I  will  give  you  an  order  for  it." 

"  Why  go  away  ?  "  said  Shepard.  "  It  will  be  best  to 
take  your  trial,  pay  your  fine  and  go  back  to  work." 

''  I  must  get  out,  Shepard.  You  don't  understand 
it,  I  know,  and  I  cannot  explain,  but  please  get  me 
out." 

As  a  rule,  Shepard  had  little  sympathy  for  a  drunken 
man,  but  Thompson's  fear  was  so  real  that  Shepard 
thought  a  little  and  then  said : 

"  I  will  go  to  the  justice  arid  see  what  can  be  done." 

He  found  the  justice  playing  a  game  of  seven-up  for 
the  drinks.  Calling  him  out,  he  informed  him  of  what 
he  desired. 

"  I  guess  I  can  let  him  go,"  said  the  justice.  "  I 
shall  want  twenty  dollars  bail.  The  fine  and  costs  will 
come  to  about  that  amount." 

Shepard  paid  over  the  money  and  went  for  Thomp- 
son, and  when  they  got  into  the  street,  he  said: 

"  I  want  you  to  come  up  to  the  mine  with  me  and 
let  this  be  a  lesson  to  you  upon  the  folly  of  drinking." 

"  I  thank  you,  Shepard,  for  coming  down  and  put- 
ting yourself  to  this  trouble  for  me.  I  know  I  am  not 
worth  it,  and  I  assure  you  I  feel  your  kindness  very 
much.  But  I  cannot  go  back  to  the  mine  for  I  must 
leave  camp  to-night.     Do  not  say  anything  against  it 


Hogg  Cedersen.  97 

for  you  cannot  chang^e  me.  I  feel  it  is  time  to  leave 
here  and  I  shall  part  from  you  with  regret,  for  you 
have  been  the  best  friend  I  ever  had,  and  I  have  had 
more  real  happiness  with  you  and  your  family  than  I 
have  had  from  any  source  for  years.  I  am  a  wanderer 
and  must  go  on  again.  Come  into  the  saloon  and  I 
will  write  you  an  order  for  your  time  check." 

"  How  much  money  have  you,  Thompson?" 

"  I  have  none  at  all.  I  gave  my  last  dollar  to  the 
boy  who  went  to  the  mine  for  you.  But  it  does  not 
matter.  I  walked  into  town  and  can  walk  out.  I  shall 
leave  to-night,  for  I  want  no  one  to  know  where  I  go." 

"  Do  you  owe  any  bills  here  ?  " 

"  Yes,  I  owe  Black  Mike  for  whiskey.  When  I 
get  work  I  will  send  the  money  to  you  and  you  can 
pay  him."  ' 

"  How  much  is  it  ?  " 

"  I  do  not  know,  let  us  go  over  and  see." 

**  He  will  stop  you  from  leaving  town  unless  you  pay 
him." 

**  I  shall  not  tell  him  nor  any  one  else  that  I  am  going 
away.  If  any  one  asks  alx)ut  me  tell  them  I  have 
gone  to  Salt  Lake.  Don't  tell  any  one  I  write  to  you, 
for  I  want  no  one  to  know  anything  about  me." 

They  went  into  the  saloon.  Looking  over  his  time- 
book,  Thompson  found  he  only  had  sixteen  dollars 
coming  to  him.  He  gave  Shepard  an  order  for  it,  and 
then  called  the  boys  up  to  drink  and  said :  **  This  is  the 
last  drink  I  shall  take  with  you  for  I  am  g^ing  to  quit. 
Mike,  what  do  I  owe  you  ?  " 

Mike  looked  at  his  book  and  said : 

"  Twelve  dollars  and  fifty  cents  with  these  drinks." 

"  All  right,  I  will  settle  it  when  I  get  my  next  pay." 

He  turned  to  Shepard  and  said : 

"  Let  us  go  up  the  hill,  I  will  not  drink  again." 

When    a    short    distance    from    town,    Thompson 
stopped  and  said: 
7 


98  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

"  I  must  leave  you  now." 

*'  Don't  you  think  it  will  be  best  to  come  up  to  the 
mine  and  work  a  month  or  two  before  you  leave  ?  " 

"  No,  I  must  go  to-night,  I  am  sorry  I  cannot 
pay  you,  but  believe  me,  I  will  send  you  the  money 
from  the  first  I  earn." 

"  I  was  not  thinking  of  the  small  sum  you  owe 
me,  but  I  think  it  would  be  best  for  yourself.  As  you 
will  not  stay,  you  had  better  take  this,  you  can  send  it 
with   the   other." 

And  Shepard  gave  him  a  twenty  dollar  bill. 
Thompson  struck  a  match  to  see  what  the  bill  was, 
and  then  exclaimed : 

"  This  won't  do,  I  can't  take  this.  I  would  not  ask 
you  for  anything,  Shepard,  but  if  you  will  lend  me 
five  dollars  I  will  take  it." 

"  I  have  no  smaller  bill,  so  keep  what  you  have 
got.  I  have  no  bills  to  meet  for  some  time  so  I  do 
not  need  it.  If  you  go  without  money  you  will  have 
to  ^,ramp  the  country  until  you  get  work,  and  you  may 
be  weeks  on  the  road.  With  this  money  you  can  find 
work  quicker  and  of  course  pay  me  sooner." 

A  few  more  words  passed  between  them,  then  they 
parted  sadly,  Shepard  thinking  he  should  nev^er  see 
him  more.  It  was  sad  news  for  the  little  ones  when 
they  heard  that  Thompson  had  left,  for  he  was  a  great 
favorite  with  them,  and  it  would  have  touched  the 
wanderer's  heart  if  he  had  seen  their  sorrow  at  his 
leaving  without  bidding  them  good-by.  Shepard  him- 
self missed  him  for  some  time,  then  came  news  that 
drove  those  thoughts  from  his  mind.  It  was  reported 
that  the  Mountain  Mine  was  going  to  shut  down,  and 
on  the  following  pay  day  it  proved  to  be  correct. 


Jennie.  99 


CHAPTER  IX. 

JENNIE. 

Shepard  could  not  afford  to  be  idle,  so  he  wrote 
to  a  friend  in  Nevada  in  regard  to  work.  To  his 
surprise  and  satisfaction  he  received  the  following 
letter  by  return  mail: 

"  V City,  Nevada,  July  i8th,  188— 

"  Friend  Shepard  : 

"  I  have  just  received  your  note  of  inquiry.  In 
answer  will  state  that  I  leave  here  in  a  few  days  to  go 
on  a  prospecting  trip.  I  shall  not  come  back  here,  so 
if  you  want  my  job  you  can  have  it  if  you  come  at 
once.  I  have  spoken  to  the  boss,  and  it  is  all  right. 
"  Your  friend, 

"John  W.  James." 

Shepard  handed  the  letter  to  his  wife  and  said : 
"  I  dislike  to  leave  you  and  the  little  ones,  but  I  have 
nothing  to  do  here,  so  it  is  best  to  go.  If  I  find  the 
situation  permanent  and  good,  I  shall  not  come  back 
to  Utah.  You  can  sell  out  and  come  to  me  if  you  can 
get  a  fair  price  for  your  home.  Utah  is  a  lovely 
place,  but  I  can  leave  it  without  regret  and  am  ^orry 
I  did  not  leave  it  years  ago." 

Mrs.  Shepard  did  not  wish  him  to  go  and  said : 
"  What  is  the  use  of  going  away  and  wasting  money 
on  the  trip?    The  works  may  close  down  in  a  month 


100  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

or  two.  I  think  you  would  do  better  to  work  at  home 
for  half  the  wages." 

"I  do  not  think  so.  Pack  my  valise,  that's  a  dear. 
I  shall  leave  to-morrow." 

Shepard  left  next  day,  and  it  was  with  much  sorrow 
that  he  parted  from  his  family.  He  was  very  fond 
of  his  wife  and  little  ones,  and  would  prefer  the 
simplest  home  and  food  with  them  to  the  best  with- 
out them.  But  he  was  sick  of  debt  and  would  go 
anywhere  for  employment  to  get  rid  of  that  burden. 
His  wife  would  not  sell  her  home  nor  make  any 
change  while  he  was  there,  but  he  felt  sure  she  would 
sell  out  and  come  to  him  if  he  settled  in  Nevada.  But 
if  she  did  not  he  would  work  on  until  the  end. 

He  took  the  train  to  M and  then  had  to  stage  it 

thirty  miles  to  V City.     On  arriving  at  V 

City,  Shepard  left  his  valise  and  blankets  at  the  stage 
office  and  inquired  the  way  to  the  Silver  Star  Mine. 
It  was  pointed  out  to  him,  and  it  lay  about  ten  minutes* 
walk  from  the  town.  He  went  up  at  once  and  his 
friend,  James,  was  pleased  to  see  him,  and  said : 

"  I  am  glad  you  came,  for  I  want  to  leave  to- 
morrow.    How  are  the  boys  at  B ?" 

"  All  well  when  I  was  up  last.  I  see  you  have  fine 
works  here,  and  keep  things  in  good  shape." 

"  Yes,  this  is  a  good  place,  and  we  have  a  good  boss, 
who  does  not  neglect  anything.  Here  he  comes,  I  will 
make  you  acquainted.  Mr.  Hopwood,  this  is  Mr. 
Shepard,  the  engineer  I  spoke  to  you  about." 

After  a  chat  about  Utah  and  a  look  around  the 
works,  Shepard  asked  which  would  be  the  best  hotel 
to  stop  at. 

"  Stop  at  Mrs.  Stanley's  boarding-house,"  exclaimed 
Hopwood.  "  All  our  boarding-houses  are  pretty  good, 
but  you  will  have  more  home  comforts  at  Mrs.  Stan- 
ley's than  at  any  other  place.  She  is  a  particular  friend 
of  ours  and  will  treat  you  well.     I  see  it  is  twenty 


Jennie.  161! 

minutes  past  five  o'clock.  See  to  the  time,  James,  I 
will  take  Mr.  Shepard  to  Stanley's." 

They  went  down  to  town  and  Shepard  found  the 
Stanley  home  a  long,  low  building  with  a  wing  at 
one  end.  Hopwood  walked  into  the  dining-room  fol- 
lowed by  Shepard.  Not  finding  any  one  there,  he  put 
his  head  through  the  delivery  window,  or  order  hole, 
as  some  might  call  it,  and  called : 

"  Mrs.  Stanley,  come  this  way,  I  have  a  new  boarder 
for  you ;  and  put  down  those  pans  and  let  those  lazy 
girls  do  something." 

"  Go  to  work  yourself,"  came  the  quick  answer  of 
a  saucy  voice  from  the  kitchen.  "  It  is  very  easy  for 
you  to  say  '  lazy  girls,'  but  if  you  did  half  the  work  we 
do  you  would  not  be  so  fat,  and  would  not  have  time 
to  poke  your  nose  into  other  people's  business." 

"  There  you  go  again,  Nellie,"  exclaimed  Hopwood, 
"  no  doubt  you  work  very  hard,  but  it  is  with  your 
tongue.  If  I  was  a  girl,  young  and  strong  as  you  are, 
I  would  be  ashamed  to  sit  there  as  you  are  doing  and 
let  an  old  lady  see  to  the  cake.  I  warrant  you  can  eat 
plenty  of  it,  for  some  of  you  don't  seerg  to  eat  any- 
thing but  cake  and  ice  cream,  judging  from  the  amount 
you  consume." 

Hopwood  burst  into  a  hearty  laugh  at  his  own 
words,  and  before  Nellie  could  reply,  Mrs.  Stanley 
said : 

"  Do  not  mind  him,  Nellie,  you  know  he  likes  to 
tease  you." 

**  Yes,  he  likes  to  tease  because  he  has  nothing  else 
to  do,  but  I  wish  he  wouldn't  bother  us  when  we  are 
busy  with  the  supper,  and  his  bringing  a  new  boarder 
is  bosh,  for  I  don't  think  any  one  came  in  on  the 
stage." 

Hopwood  laughed  again  and  said : 

"  You  are  mistaken  this  time,  Miss  Magpie,  for  I 


102  An 'Old  Dusty's  Story. 

have  brought  a  Utah  gentleman  who  has  left  behind 
I  don't  know  how  many  wives." 

Nellie  sprang  to  the  door  and  threw  it  open,  and 
Shepard  stood  before  her.  She  was  so  surprised  that 
she  could  not  speak  for  a  moment,  then  murmuring 
"  Excuse  me,  sir,"  she  retreated  to  the  further  end  of 
the  kitchen  amidst  the  laughter  of  Hopwood  and  the 
other  girl. 

Shepard  was  much  amused,  and  could  not  repress 
a  smile,  but  he  would  not  add  to  the  girl's  embarrass- 
ment by  any  other  demonstration  of  his  mirth.  Mrs. 
Stanley  came  forward  and  Shepard  was  introduced. 
Hopwood  said  with  a  merry  twinkle  in  his  eyes : 

*'  Mr.  Shepard  is  my  new  engineer,  and  comes  well 
recommended,  and  I  doubt  not  he  is  all  right,  but  you 
know  these  Utah  men  will  bear  watching,  for  they 
are  fond  of  the  girls." 

Shepard  savv^  his  new  employer  wa.s  fond  of  a  joke, 
so  said,  "  Just  so." 

*'  I  shall  take  Mr.  Shepard  to  supper  with  me," 
said  Hopwood.  "  I  find  he  is  a  townsman  of  mine, 
so  I  want  to  have  a  chat  with  him  about  the  old  place. 
I  will  detain  you  no  longer,  for  I  know  you  have  been 
busy  since  Jennie  went  to  'Frisco.  By-by,  girls,  and 
have  mercy  on  the  cake." 

Mr.  Hopwood  was  a  stout,  jolly  man  of  about  fifty- 
four  years  of  age,  and  his  good  nature  caused  him  to 
be  loved  and  respected  by  all.  As  a  master  he  was 
kind  and  easy,  but  required  and  would  have  a  fair  day's 
work  from  all.  If  any  one  shirked  his  duty,  there 
were  no  black  looks  nor  swearing  from  Hopwood,  but 
he  would  say  with  a  smile : 

"  I  see  you  are  tired  and  need  a  rest.  Come  to  the 
office  and  get  your  check." 

He  was  half  owner  of  the  Silver  Star  Mine,  and 
had  full  management  of  it,  and  made  it  pay  quite  well. 
Shepard  found  Mrs.  Hopwood  kind  and  genial.     He 


^  Jennie.  103 

spent  a  pleasant  evening-  with  them.  It  was  a  great 
treat  to  him  to  be  carried  back  in  mind  to  his  old  home 
and  walk  the  streets  of  old  Preston. 

Hopwood  said  as  he  took  Shepard  back  to  the 
Stanley  house: 

"  This  has  been  a  very  happy  evening  for  me,  and  if 
all  is  well  I  will  see  old  Preston  before  the  year  ends." 

Hopwood  bade  Shepard  good  night  at  the  door. 
The  clock  was  striking  twelve  as  he  entered.  There 
was  no  one  in  the  sittingf-room,but  an  elderly  man  came 
from  the  parlor  and  bade  Shepard  good  evening,  and 
said: 

"  I  suppose  you  are  our  new  boarder  ?  " 

"  Yes,"  he  replied,  **  I  hope  I  have  not  kept  you 
waiting  for  me  ?  " 

"  Not  at  all,  sir.  I  always  stay  up  until  twelve 
o'clock." 

"You  are  the  night-watchman,  I  suppose?" 

"  I  am  a  little  of  everything.  I  see  to  the  team  and 
do  general  work  about  the  place.  You  see,  sir,  I  am 
an  old  servant  of  the  Stanleys  and  have  charge  of  all 
outside  work  and  look  after  the  business." 

"  Then  I  suppose  you  will  show  me  to  my  room  ?  " 

"  Yes,  sir,  come  this  way.  Mrs.  Stanley  has  given 
you  the  spare  room  in  the  wing.  So  you  will  not 
be  bothered  by  the  other  boarders.  She  wished  me 
to  inform  you  you  are  welcome  to  the  parlor  at  all 
times  if  you  prefer  it  to  the  sitting-room." 

**  I  am  certainly  obliged  to  the  lady,  and  if  not  in- 
truding upon  the  ladies  will  accept  it  with  thanks." 

"  It  will  be  no  intrusion,  sir ;  two  or  three  of  the 
other  boarders,  who  like  a  quiet  evening,  often  drop 
in  for  an  hour  or  two." 

John,  which  was  the  servant's  name,  led  the  way  to 
the  room  and  bade  Shepard  good  night.  The  room 
was  small  but  comfortable,  and  had  a  small  closet  in 
connection  with  it.     Here  was  located  the  washstand 


104  An  Old  Dasty's  Story. 

and  a  clothes  rack.  The  room  opened  upon  a  narrow 
hall,  and  this  opened  on  a  side  street  that  ran  up  the 
hill  to  the  mine.  Shepard  was  pleased  to  find  himself 
in  such  good  quarters,  he  disliked  a  crowd,  and  was 
glad  to  be  alone.  He  was  early  at  the  works  next 
morning  and  entered  upon  his  duties.  He  found  his 
new  situation  an  easy  one.  Hopwood  took  him 
around  the  mine  and  showed  him  the  ore  in  winze, 
stope,  and  drift.  He  went  to  supper  again  that  even- 
ing with  Hopwood.  He  learned  that  Mrs.  Stanley  was 
a  widow  with  one  daughter.     Hopwood  said : 

"  Miss  Stanley  is  now  in  'Frisco  with  her  friend, 
Viola  Beaumont.  I  am  sure  Mrs.  Stanley  has  seen 
better  days  and  has  not  always  kept  boarders. 
Though  we  have  known  her  about  a  year,  that  is,  since 
she  came  here,  we  have  not  been  able  to  learn  anything 
of  her  past  life,  excepting  that  her  husband  is  dead 
and  she  came  west  to  better  her  condition.  That  she 
has  been  in  better  circumstances  there  can  be  no  doubt, 
for  her  servant  remains  with  her  more  for  love  than 
for  money." 

"  I  thank  you,"  said  Shepard,  ''  for  taking  me  to  so 
good  a  home.  I  did  not  expect  strangers  to  take  so 
much  interest  in  my  comfort  or  treat  me  so  well." 

''  You  are  welcome  to  all  I  can  do  for  you.  The 
fact  is,  you  are  hardly  a  stranger,  for  I  learned  much 
of  your  past  life  from  James,  and  when  I  discovered 
you  were  from  old  Preston,  where  I  first  saw  the 
light  and  passed  my  boyhood,  I  had  a  kind  of  brotherly 
feeling  for  you.  Your  appearance  does  not  disappoint 
my  expectations,  and  I  shall  be  pleased  to  find  that 
\ou  like  the  place  and  will  stay  with  us." 

The  next  evening,  Shepard  took  a  seat  in  the  sitting- 
room  and  was  quite  alone,  the  other  boarders  having 
strolled  out  to  enjoy  the  fine  evening.  It  would  have 
pleased  him  to  have  gone  to  the  parlor  to  have  been 
near  Mrs.  Stanley,  for  he  was  strangely  attracted  to- 


Jennie.  105 

ward  her.  There  was  an  undefined  something  about 
her  that  soothed  his  nerves  and  gave  him  rest  and 
peace,  i  Je  had  felt  it  from  the  first  and  longed  to  be 
near  her  and  know  more  of  her.  But  he  was  afraid  to 
intrude  and  perhaps  annoy  her.  He  heard  a  step,  and, 
glancing  over  his  paper,  he  saw  her  through  the 
partly  open  dining-room  door  arranging  the  table  for 
the  morning.  He  wondered  at  her  white  hair,  nearly 
as  white  as  snow,  and  felt  sure  that  age  could  not  be 
the  cause  of  it.  He  loved  to  look  upon  her  sweet, 
quiet  face  and  kindly  eye,  but  there  was  a  restlessness 
about  the  eye  that  seemed  strange  to  such  a  quiet  face. 
He  was  sure  this  refined  woman  had  seen  better  days 
and  was  now  far  below  her  station. 

She  came  to  close  the  dining-room  door,  and  seeing 
him,  said: 

"  Why,  Mr.  Shepard,  you  are  all  alone.  Would  you 
not  prefer  the  parlor?  You  will  find  a  comfortable 
chair  there  and  be  just  as  quiet." 

*'  I  did  not  wish  to  intrude,"  replied  Shepard. 

"  No  intrusion,  sir.  Please  make  yourself  at  home 
as  much  as  you  can  in  our  poor  place." 

Shepard  thanked  her  and  went  around  to  the  parlor. 
He  found  John  there,  smoking  his  pipe. 

"  Good  evening,"  said  John.  "  Glad  to  see  you. 
I  thought  you  had  gone  to  Hopwood's  as  you  did  not 
come  around  sooner.  I  am  pleased  you've  come,  for 
I  want  to  have  a  chat  about  Utah."  They  were  pres- 
ently joined  by  Mrs.  Stanley,  who  entered  into  the 
conversation  by  asking  Shepard  if  he  knew  of  a  good 
location  in  Utah  for  starting  a  boarding-house. 

He  answered :  "  I  do  not.  Madam.  It  would  be  hard 
to  find  a  better  place  than  this  or  one  so  good  in  Utah. 
I  find  the  men  here  can  board  where  they  please.  It 
is  not  so  in  many  of  our  camps,  and  I  have  known  men 
compelled  to  pay  one  dollar  per  day  for  inferior  food  in 
sight  of  their  homes." 


io6  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

"  I  would  not  expect  to  do  better  than  I  am  doing 
here,  but  I  am  weary  and  wish  a  change.  I  wish  to 
be  in  a  place  where  I  can  see  new  faces  and  where 
men  are  coming  and  going  all  the  time.  Are  there 
many  strangers  visiting  Utah  ?  " 

'*  Yes,  Madam,  a  great  many  visit  Utah,  for  they 
have  heard  much  of  the  land  of  the  saints." 

Mrs.  Stanley  turned  to  John  and  said : 

"  That  will  be  the  place ;  we  may  learn  something 
there." 

She  stoppea  suddenly  and  seemed  embarrassed, 
then  she  added :  "  May  learn  something  of  their  man- 
ners and  customs." 

"  Stay  here  this  year.  Missus,  and  then  I  will  go 
anywhere  you  wish." 

Mrs.  Stanley  said  to  Shepard  by  way  of  explana- 
tion: 

"  John  is  an  old-time  servant  and  is  now  my  busi- 
ness manager,  and  many  times  saves  me  from  making 
mistakes." 

It  was  a  pleasant  evening  for  Shepard,  pleasant 
to  be  near  that  strange  woman  who  had  such  power 
over  him.  He  could  not  account  for  this  strange  at- 
traction and  her  indescribable  power  over  him,  but 
he  felt  it  to  be  good,  and  he  felt  he  could  state  his 
troubles  to  her  as  freely  as  to  his  own  mother.  He 
was  so  interested  in  this  woman  that  he  was  deter- 
mined  to  know  her  better. 

The  week  passed  and  Saturday  evening  came.  Still 
he  had  learned  nothing  of  her  past  life.  She  had 
taken  much  interest  in  Shepard,  and  without  ap- 
pearing inquisitive  had  learned  much  of  himself.  She 
induced  him  to  talk  about  Utah  and  its  people,  the 
mines  and  miners,  but  said  nothing  of  herself.  She 
was  very  motherly  and  kind  to  Shepard  and  he  passed 
a  happy  week  in  his  new  home.  He  had  not  been 
around  to  see  the  town ;  he  felt  no  desire  to  make  new^ 


Jennie.  107 

friends ;  he  was  charmed  by  this  woman  and  it  was 
happiness  to  be  near  her.  On  this  Saturday  evening 
there  was  a  great  ball  game,  all  the  boarders  had  gone 
to  see  it.  John  had  taken  the  girls.  Mrs.  Stanley  was 
going  over  to  the  Beaumonts,  so  Shepard  would  be 
alone.  He  was  not  feeling  quite  well,  the  change  of 
climate  had  upset  him  a  little,  and  instead  of  accepting 
John's  invitation  to  go  with  him,  he  concluded  to  read 
and  rest. 

Taking  a  comfortable  seat  in  the  parlor,  he  turned 
over  the  pages  of  an  illustrated  volume.  He  could 
not  read  at  once,  for  he  was  thinking  of  this  woman 
with  the  white  hair  and  sweet,  soft  voice.  While  he 
was  thus  sitting,  Mrs.  Stanley  came  in  and  said :  "  Mr. 
Shepard,  I  will  leave  you  to  care  for  the  house  for  an 
hour  or  two,  while  I  visit  Mrs.  Beaumont.  The  girls 
ought  to  have  returned  this  evening  and  Mrs.  Beau- 
mont may  be  uneasy.  I  do  not  feel  so  myself,  for 
they  have  no  doubt  met  with  friends  and  are  prolong- 
ing their  visit." 

Shepard  did  not  return  to  his  book  at  once,  but  sat 
thinking  of  Mrs.  Stanley  and  her  daughter.  He  had 
heard  much  from  Hopwood  about  Jennie  and  her 
sweet,  kind  nature.  He  opened  his  book  again,  and 
was  soon  so  absorbed  in  the  story  that  he  did  not 
hear  the  door  open  or  the  sound  of  a  foot  upon  the 
floor.  As  he  read  he  felt  a  sweet  sense  of  happiness 
steal  over  him,  giving  him  rest  and  content.  When  a 
child  he  had  been  told  that  a  good  and  bad  angel  were 
ever  watching  him,  and  when  the  good  angel  came 
near  to  him,  drawn  by  his  good  actions,  he  would  feel 
happy  and  blessed.  He  now  felt  as  if  the  room  was 
filled  with  good  angels.  He  felt  heavenly  peace  and 
sweet  joy  he  had  never  known  before.  Some  power 
seemed  to  be  drawing  him  from  the  book  and  from 
himself.  He  raised  his  eyes,  attracted  by  the  strange 
influence,  and  beheld,  standing  before  him  with  hat 


io8  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

in  hand,  the  loveliest  woman  he  had  ever  set  eyes 
upon.  He  gazed  in  astonished  bewilderment  upon  the 
lovely  face  and  into  the  glorious  brown  eyes.  And  he 
saw  nothing  else.  He  did  not  know  she  was  clad  in 
a  long  gray  duster,  soiled  and  travel-stained.  He  saw 
nothing  but  the  divine  face,  surrounded  by  a  wealth  of 
dark  brown  hair,  nothing  but  her  beaming  eyes,  radi- 
ant smile  and  ruby  lips.  He  thought  her  an  angel, 
and  would  not  have  been  surprised  if  she  had  vanished 
before  his  eyes.  She  stood  there  a  moment,  looking 
sweetly  into  his  eyes,  the  light  of  her  soul  shining  in 
her  own  glorious  orbs,  then  she  spoke  and  her  voice 
seemed  sweeter  than  any  music  he  had  ever  heard. 

She  said :  ''  Excuse  me,  sir,  for  disturbing  you ;  I 
expected  to  find  my  mother.'' 

And  what  did  he  answer,  he  that  was  always  so 
polite  and  ready  with  information  ?  He  did  not  speak  ; 
he  was  dumb  and  his  faculties  seemed  to  be  suspended. 
The  book  dropped  from  his  hands,  but  he  did  not 
notice  it.  He  saw  nothing  but  that  face,  heard  noth- 
ing but  that  voice.  She  bowed  and  was  gone.  He  sat 
staring  at  the  door,  then,  heaving  a  deep  sigh,  the 
spell  was  broken  and  he  sprang  to  his  feet. 

"  Oh,  God  !  "  he  cried,  "  what  loveliness  !  What 
glorious  eyes,  what  a  divine  soul !  I  can  now  under- 
stand the  feeling  of  father  Adam  when  he  first  beheld 
Eve  in  all  her  loveliness.  That  wondrous  vision  must 
have  made  his  pulses  thrill  and  his  heart  bound  and 
beat  to  the  music  of  the  spheres,  and  filled  his  soul  with 
supreme  happiness.  But  this  vision  of  loveliness  that 
no  Eve  could  surpass,  does  not  bring  me  happiness, 
but  fills  me  with  sadness,  for  it  comes  too  late  and 
shows  me  the  wasted  past  and  gives  no  hope  for  the 
future." 

He  dropped  into  the  chair,  and  that  small,  low 
room  seemed  to  widen  before  him  and  he  could  see 
the  miles  of  mountains,  plains  and  valleys,  the  leagues 


i 


Jennie.  109 

of  rolling:  waters,  the  bark  struggling  through  the 
storm,  the  white  cliffs  of  the  land  that  gave  him  birth, 
and  there  nestling  under  the  hill  was  his  once  happy 
home.  And  near  that  cot  was  another  where  dwelt 
his  old  love  and  delight. 

He  fancied  he  saw  her  by  the  door,  and  he  saw  her 
again  as  she  stood  by  the  wagon  on  the  never-to-be- 
forgotten  September  morning.  He  saw  her  erect  form 
and  the  pose  of  her  proud  head  as  she  passed  on  and 
from  his  sight  for  ever. 

"  Love!  "  he  cried,  "  no,  I  did  not  love  then,  my  eyes 
were  blind  and  my  heart  was  cold.  I  never  knew 
love  until  to-night,  until  but  now  it  struck  me  with 
its  divine  spark  and  burnt  its  way  into  my  heart  and 
brain,  never  to  leave  again.  Oh.  Annie,  I  can  now  see 
thee  in  thy  pride,  and  see  thee  going  to  thy  grave 
with  a  broken  heart,  and  I  lived  on  through  the  years 
groping  in  darkness  and  gloom,  blasted  by  thy  heart- 
lessness  and  pride.  And  now,  when  it  is  destruction 
to  look  upon  it,  the  glorious  light  of  a  heavenly  love 
comes  upon  me.  The  light  of  a  love  that  makes  thine 
dim  as  the  rays  of  a  fading  star.  A  love  that  my  soul 
longs  for  and  needs  in  its  weakness,  and  I,  poor  fool, 
may  take  it  not.  Fool !  Fool !  I  have  lived  through 
all  these  years  in  darkness  and  gain  the  light  when  I 
am  too  old  to  see.  I  have  lived  without  aim  and  with- 
out hope,  and  now,  when  this  love  flashes  upon  me  to 
give  me  hope,  it  leads  the  way  to  a  blacker  hell.  Oh, 
divine  one!  Oh,  soul  that  was  created  to  sustain  and 
strengthen,  to  comfort  and  solace,  to  cheer  and  make 
glad,  thou  comest  too  late  and  bringest  me  deepest  sor- 
row. But  I  would  not  have  missed  thy  radiant  smile, 
the  light  of  thine  heavenly  eyes,  nor  the  attraction  of 
thy  pure  soul." 

I  must  now  leave  Shepard  to  battle  with  himself, 
and  explain  how  Jennie, — for  she  it  was,  came  home. 
After  leaving  the  train  they  met  a  neighbor  who  told 


no  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

them  that  the  stage  was  loaded  with  rough  miners 
and  part  of  them  were  drunk,  but  if  they  Hked  to  take 
a  seat  in  his  wagon  he  would  take  them  home  nearly  as 
quickly.  They  were  glad  of  the  offer  and  accepted  it. 
On  alighting  from  the  wagon  each  ran  home  at  once, 
and  Jennie,  as  we  have  seen,  found  no  one  in  the  house 
but  Shepard.  When  she  left  him  she  went  to  Beau- 
monts'  and  there  found  her  mother.  She  did  not  say 
anything  of  the  strange  man  she  had  seen  in  the  parlor, 
nor  of  his  strange  behavior.  She  had  been  strongly 
attracted  by  the  man,  and  could  not  understand  it, 
and  it  was  something  she  could  not  talk  about. 

That  we  may  better  understand  Shepard's  strange 
action,  we  must  go  back  twenty  years  and  learn  some- 
thing of  his  early  life. 


Young  Shephard.  iil 


CHAPTER  X. 

YOUNG  SHEPARD. 

Before  Shepard  came  to  America  he  resided  in 
the  busy  town  of  Preston.  He  was  a  member  of  the 
Preston  branch  of  "  Latter  Day  Saints."  He  was 
born  in  the  church,  and  had  never  known  any  other 
reHgion,  though  he  was  permitted  to  attend  any  church 
or  Sunday  school  he  chose.  His  father  was  an  old 
Mormon,  but  was  not  narrow-minded  nor  bigoted. 
He  was  willing  that  his  children  should  hear  both 
sides,  and  had  no  doubt  but  they  would  hold  fast  to 
the  *'  Church  of  Latter  Day  Saints." 

Shepard  and  most  of  the  members  of  the  '*  branch  " 
had  a  great  desire  to  go  to  "  Zion,"  that  beautiful  city 
in  the  **  valleys  of  the  mountains,"  that  "  Joseph's 
land,  blest  by  God's  hand,"  they  had  so  often  sung 
about,  and  that  had  been  so  highly  praised  by  the  mis- 
sionaries. This  winter  they  were  more  enthusiastic 
in  their  desire  to  go  to  '*  Zion "  than  ever.  For 
Brother  Sampson  of  Utah,  that  spotless  saint  who  was 
worshiped  by  most  of  the  saints,  the  sisters  espe- 
cially, had  told  them  to  gather  to  Zion  and  be  blessed. 
He  said  at  one  of  their  meetings :  "  I  have  lived  in 
Utah  for  sixteen  years,  and  in  all  that  time  I  have 
not  heard  as  much  swearing  or  seen  as  much  drunken- 
nessas  I've  seen  and  heard  here  in  one  day.  Go  to  Zion, 
brethren  and  sisters.  There  you  will  find  loving 
friends  to  help  you.  There  is  plenty  of  land  in  Zion, 
that   will  grow  everything  that  you   need   in   a  bun- 


112  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

dance.  Those  saints  who  are  too  poor  to  build  a  home 
will  be  helped  by  their  brethren.  Some  will  go  in 
the  canon  and  cut  the  logs,  others  will  haul  them 
out,  and  then  all  will  lend  a  hand  to  put  them  up. 
Some  brother  who  has  plenty  of  cows  will  lend  you 
one  and  let  you  keep  her  until  you  can  raise  a  calf, 
and  when  the  calf  becomes  a  cow  and  gives  milk,  you 
can  return  the  cow  your  brother  so  kindly  lent  to  you. 
The  sisters  will  give  you  a  start  with  chickens,  and 
you  will  be  assisted  in  many  ways.  In  every  saint 
you  will  find  a  friend  and  brother.  If  you  go  from 
home  and  forget  to  lock  the  door,  you  need  not  feel 
uneasy  in  Zion,  as  you  do  here,  for  no  one  would 
molest  anything  you  had.  When  you  go  to  rest  at 
night,  there  is  no  occasion  to  fasten  the  door,  for 
no  one  there  would  harm  you.  In  warm  weather  I 
do  not  even  close  my  door,  but  sleep  with  doors  and 
windows  open." 

The  good-hearted  but  simple-minded  saints  would 
look  upon  one  another  with  wide-open  eyes,  which 
seemed  to  say  :    ''  Isn't  it  grand  ?  " 

All  the  saints  were  feeling  well  this  winter,  for  it 
was  reported  the  mission  would  be  closed  and  the 
poor  assisted  to  Zion.  One  old  saint  said :  "  The 
Lord  wants  to  get  us  out  from  among  the  wicked, 
so  He  can  pour  His  wrath  upon  them.  He  is  going  to 
send  trials  and  tribulations  upon  this  nation  and 
punish  them  for  their  sins.  He  would  have  done 
so  long  ago  but  for  the  saints.  We  have  saved  them 
from  destruction.  Now  Brother  Brigham  wants  us 
out,  so  the  Lord  can  deal  with  them.  Brethren,  I  pity 
this  country  when  we  saints  leave  it.  The  Lord  will 
make  them  shake  with  fear.  But  He  will  not  destroy 
them  this  time.  He  will  give  them  another  chance  to 
repent  and  embrace  the  gospel  for  the  sake  of  the 
few  honest  hearts  that  remain  after  we  leave." 
^      This  old  saint  was  a  fair  sample  of  the  rest  of  thd 


Young  Shepard.  T13 

English  Mormons.  And  what  can  we  think  of  men 
wlio  will  talk  so  of  their  country  and  native  land? 
What  kind  of  citizens  will  they  make  in  a  country 
that  is  not  their  own,  and  where  people  are  opposed  to 
their  creed?  What  can  be  expected  from  men  who 
are  willing  slaves  of  a  priesthood  they  worship? 
When  spring  opened  there  was  less  talk  of  the  saints 
being  helped  out  by  the  church,  and  it  was  said  that 
only  a  few  of  the  old  ones  would  be  helped  this  season. 
When  summer  came  it  was  learned  that  none  would  be 
assisted,  but  all  those  who  could  possibly  raise  the 
money  should  go  to  Zion. 

This  was  bad  news  to  old  Mr.  Shepard,  for  he  had 
a  large  family  and  no  means,  so  he  gave  up  hope  of 
ever  reaching  Zion.  But  it  was  not  so  with  young 
Shepard.  He  had  no  money,  for  as  yet  he  was  only 
a  helper  in  the  mill,  and  his  wages  were  small  and  he 
gave  them  to  his  father  to  help  the  family.  He  could 
not  hope  to  raise  the  money  to  take  him  to  Utah,  but 
there  was  another  way  he  had  heard  of,  and  he  wished 
to  try  it.  One  of  the  brethren  had  informed  him  that 
some  of  the  young  saints  had  gotten  stowed  away 
on  the  ship  and  got  over  the  sea  for  nothing.  This 
was  like  a  revelation  to  Shepard,  and  he  at  once  de- 
tennined  to  go  that  way.  He  spoke  to  other  members 
of  the  branch  about  it,  and  they  all  favored  it  but  one 
old  saint,  who  said :  '*  Don't  you  try  it,  Shepard ;  if 
they  find  you  they  will  be  likely  to  throw-  you  in  the 
sea,  and  if  they  don't  do  that  they  will  be  sure  to  put 
you  in  prison." 

This  was  rather  discouraging,  but  Shepard  con- 
cluded to  go  anyhow.  There  were  three  families  and 
three  or  four  single  persons  going  from  this  branch. 
Brother  Pete  Howard  and  family  were  living  with 
Brother  Jones,  as  they  had  sold  their  househoUl  goods 
and  were  waiting  for  orders  to  go.  Shepard  was 
engaged  to  marry  Brother  Howard's  eldest  daughter, 
48 


1 14  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

but  no  date  was  set,  as  they  were  too  poor  to  marry 
at  present.  Annie  Howard  was  about  Shepard's  own 
age,  and  was  quite  religious  and  very  enthusiastic 
about  Zion.  She  wished  Shepard  to  go,  if  possible, 
but  if  he  could  not  do  so,  she  promised  to  be  true  and 
wait  in  Zion  for  him  five  or  ten  years,  if  he  could 
not  reach  there  sooner.  Shepard  almost  worshiped 
Annie,  and  for  her  or  his  religion  he  could  do  or  dare 
anything.  He  would  go  to  Zion,  or  at  least  make  the 
attempt,  "  sink  or  swim." 

He  saw  Brother  John  Boyle  and  said  to  him: 
"  Brother  Boyle,  I  want  to  go  to  Zion.  I  must  go, 
for  I  cannot  bear  to  be  left  behind.  Every  night  I 
watch  the  sun  go  down,  and  I  have  pictured  myself 
here  alone,  and  it  makes  me  feel  gloomy  and  sad, 
when  I  think  I  shall  be  left  here  in  darkness,  while 
my  friends  are  still  in  glorious  light  in  the  courts  of 
Zion,  and  perhaps  singing  with  Brigham,  Heber  and 
Orson  praises  to  God  and  the  Lamb.  I  cannot  be 
happy  here  any  longer,  so  I  want  you  to  help  me  get 
away." 

"  I  will  do  all  I  can  for  you,"  replied  Boyle.  "  If 
you  can  only  get  on  the  ship  you  will  be  all  right,  for 
there  are  plenty  of  us  to  furnish  you  food,  and  we 
shall  never  miss  it.  You  had  better  speak  to  Brother 
Sampson  about  it.  He  will  be  here  next  Sunday,  and 
we  expect  hmi  to  give  the  date  our  ship  will  sail.  See 
him,  for  I  know  he  can  tell  you  what  is  best  to  do 
about  it." 

Brother  Sampson  was  at  the  meeting  on  the  follow- 
ing Sunday,  and  informed  the  saints  that  their  ship 
would  sail  in  sixteen  days.  There  was  much  excite- 
ment in  the  little  branch,  some  rejoicing  and  some 
quite  sad.  After  meeting  Shepard  said  to  Brother 
Sampson :  "  I  want  to  go  to  Zion,  if  possible.  I  have 
no  money,  but  I  have  heard  some  get  over  without, 
and  I  would  like  to  try." 


Young  Shepard.  115 

Brother  Sampson  showed  him  the  dangers  and  hard- 
ships of  such  a  course,  and  spoke  quite  discouragingly ; 
he  finished  by  saying:  "I  cannot  advise  you  in  the 
matter.  I  cannot  say  you  will  get  off  if  you  try,  but 
if  you  should  try,  I  will  do  what  I  can  for  you." 

Shepard  thanked  him  and  went  to  take  tea  with 
Howard. 

"  .What  will  you  do  ?  "  said  Annie. 

Shepard  smiled  and  replied :   "  I  shall  go  with  you." 

"  That's  right,"  exclaimed  Howard.  "  I  think 
Brother  Sampson  wants  you  to  go,  but  does  not  like 
to  say  so.     I  think  ^e  will  get  you  off,  too." 

The  next  two  weeks  were  full  of  excitement  and 
hurry,  and  of  selling  and  packing  for  the  emigrants. 
Shepard  was  soon  ready.  He  purchased  a  water- 
proof sack  and  put  in  a  few  changes  of  clothes.  He 
had  not  much  to  take,  and  the  way  he  was  going,  he 
could  not  take  much  if  he  had  it.  He  went  to  see 
what  he  could  do  for  the  others,  and  found  plenty  to 
occupy  his  evening.  Brother  Boyle  had  only  one  large 
box  to  pack  and  had  nothing  to  sell.  He  was  going 
alone  and  leaving  his  wife  and  family.  His  wife,  "  a 
ranting  Methodist,"  was  much  opposed  to  Mormon- 
ism,  and  was  most  bitter  in  her  denunciation  of  the 
system.  She  said :  "  I  will  not  go  to  a  hell  like  Utah 
for  any  man  living,  and  none  of  my  children  shall 

go- 
So  Brother  Boyle,  loving  his  wife  very  much,  but 
his  religion  more,  concluded  to  leave  his  family  and 
go  alone.  But  his  was  not  the  only  home  in  the 
branch  to  be  broken  up.  Sister  Denby  and  daughters, 
the  daughters  fine  girls  approaching  womanhood, 
were  good  saints  and  desired  to  gather  to  Zion.  Mr. 
Denby  was  a  Mormon  hater  of  the  strongest  kind, 
and  iiis  doors  were  closed  to  all  Mormons.  Mrs. 
Denby  could  only  meet  with  the  saints  occasionally, 
and  at  such  times  received  much  sympathy  from  the 


ii6  An  Old  Dusty 's  Story. 

saints  present.  She  was  poor  and  had  Httle  means, 
but  help  had  come  from  some  source  to  send  her  and 
her  daughters  to  Zion.  Howard  was  much  interested 
in  the  matter,  and  seemed  to  have  charge  of  them,  but 
it  was  certain  he  did  not  furnish  the  money.  Still, 
Sister  Denby  and  daughters  were  going  to  Zion,  but 
only  a  few  knew  of  it.  Howard  had  informed 
Shepard  and  told  him  not  to  breathe  a  word  to  anyone 
about  it. 

Said  he :  "  No  one  out  of  the  branch  must  know  a 
word  about  it.  Denby  does  not  know  and  he  must  not 
hear  of  it,  for  he  would  prevent  them  from  going." 

"  How  can  she  go  without  his  knowing  it  ?  "  said 
Shepard. 

"  It  is  easily  done  if  we  are  careful." 

"  But   is   it   right  ?  "   said   Shepard. 

"  Of  course  it  is  right.  Denby  is  a  bad  man  and  will 
never  come  in  the  church,  there  is  no  hope  of  that  at 
all.  If  his  wife  stays  with  him  she  will  be  damned, 
so  we  must  take  her  and  the  girls  away  to  save  them." 

"  How  is  it  to  be  done  ?  " 

*'  She  is  to  go  away  on  Saturday,  and  take  the  girls 
for  a  week's  visit  to  some  friends  out  of  town.  Denby 
will  no  doubt  get  their  tickets  and  see  them  off.   When 

they  reach  B ,  instead  of  going  to  their  friends 

they  will  go  to  Liverpool  and  we  will  join  them  on 
Monday,  and  next  day  we  will  all  sail  for  Zion." 

"  Has  Denby  no  suspicions  ?  " 

"  No.  He  can  have  none.  He  takes  no  interest 
in  Mormonism,  and  does  not  know  we  are  going. 
•  Sister  Denby  has  been  talking  of  visiting  her  friends 
for  some  time,  and  when  she  learned  the  date  we 
should  sail,  she  got  permission  to  do  so.  Her  trunks 
are  at  Sister  White's,  and  I  want  you  to  go  with 
Brother  Boyle  on  Friday  night  and  bring  them  over 
to  me.  I  shall  send  mine  off  on  Saturday  and  Sister 
Denby  trunks  will  be  known  as  mine." 


Young  Shepard.  117 

"  All  right,  Brother  Howard,  but  how  did  she  get 
her  trunks  to  Sister  White's?  " 

"  They  are  new  trunks,  and  Sister  Denby  and  the 
girls  have  been  carrying  things  over  for  a  long  time. 
I  got  word  last  night  that  they  are  well  filled  and 
ready  to  go." 

Shepard  went  home  quite  thoughtful.  He  did  not 
like  to  be  mixed  up  in  such  matters,  but  he  had  prom- 
ised and  would  have  to  go.  He  knew  nothing  of  Mr. 
Denby  but  what  he  had  heard  from  the  saints.  He 
had  never  seen  the  man,  and  could  not  say  if  he  was 
very  bad  or  not.  He  was  on  hand  early  on  Friday 
night.  They  met  at  Brother  Jones'  and  had  to  wait 
some  time  for  Brother  Boyle.  They  could  not  call 
on  him,  without  getting  a  scolding  from  Mrs.  Boyle, 
and  the  oldest  saint  in  the  branch  would  avoid  that, 
if  possible.  She  would  as  soon  have  the  devil  come 
to  her  door  as  a  Mormon,  for  she  looked  upon  them 
as  containing  everything  devilish. 

Brother  Jones  said :  '*  She's  got  an  awful  tongue, 
and  I  would  not  be  in  Brother  Boyle's  shoes  for  any- 
thing." 

Brother  Boyle  had  indeed  had  a  hard  time,  and 
much  trouble  with  his  wife,  but  she  settled  it  by  say- 
ing: **  If  you  must  go  to  the  devil,  go,  but  don't  write 
to  me  when  you  leave  here,  for  I  never  want  to  hear 
from  you  again." 

It  was  a  hard  blow  to  Brother  Boyle.  He  had  ex- 
pected her  to  have  relented  a  little  and  have  parted 
from  her  friendly.  He  packed  his  trunk  and  then 
joined  in  the  enthusiasm  of  the  others.  He  even  be- 
came more  enthusiastic  than  the  rest. 

He  said  to  himself:  **  Am  I  not  making  a  greater 
sacrifice  than  the  others,  and  shall  I  not  have  a  greater 
blessing  than  they?  Does  not  the  Lord  say  He  will 
have  a  *  tried  people '  ?      Surely  He  does,  so  I  will 


ii8  An  Old  Dusty ^s  Story. 

not  complain,  for  there  are  blessings  in  store  for  me  in 
Zion." 

Brother  Boyle  turned  his  face  to  Zion.  He  would 
look  at  home  no  more,  henceforth  he  would  be  a  saint 
in  very  deed. 

Brother  Jones  said :  ''  I  am  afraid  Brother  Boyle  is 
not  coming  to-night.  There  must  be  something 
wrong." 

The  next  moment  there  was  a  kno.k  at  the  door, 
and  Brother  Boyle  entered.  He  said  :  "  You  must  ex- 
cuse me,  brethren,  for  keep'ng  you  waiting.  My 
wife  seemed  uneasy,  so  I  appeared  indifferent  to  go- 
ing out.    You  are  ail  ready,  I  see,  so  let  us  go." 

Shepard  and  two  sturdy  saints  arose  and  followed 
Boyle.  It  was  a  dark,  cloudy  night,  and  suited  their 
purpose  well.  Boyle  'went  direct  to  Sister  White's. 
They  found  her  somewhat  excited  and  restless. 

So  Boyle  said:   "  Nothing  wrong,  I  hope?" 

"  No,  Brother  Boyle,  but  I  feel  uneasy  at  having 
these  big  trunks  here." 

"  There  is  no  occasion  to  be  uneasy,  sister ;  no 
one  knows  about  them  but  ourselves.  Come,  lads, 
take  hold  of  them  and  we  will  go." 

They  got  them  over  to  BroJier  Jones'  without 
trouble.  After  a  chat  they  went  home  to  meet  at  the 
room  on  Sunday.  Shepard  arose  bright  and  early 
that  Sunday  morning.  He  longed  for  a  walk  in  the 
fields ;  he  wanted  to  see  the  green  grass,  tl\e^  butter- 
cups and  daisies,  and  longed  to  hear  the  lark's  song 
once  again.  It  might  be  the  last  time  he  would  look 
upon  his  native  fields.  He  returned  home  and  went 
to  meeting  with  his  folks.  There  was  to  be  no  night 
meeting,  so  half  a  dozen  of  the  young  folks  took  a 
walk  into  the  country  to  ramble  for  the  last  time  in 
its  green  lanes.  Shepard  and  Annie  were  of  the  party, 
and  as  they  walked  along,  side  by  side,  he  glanced  lov- 
ingly into  her  dear  face.     Little  was  said;  they  were 


Young  Shepard.  119 

too  happy  to  talk  much ;  a  gentle  pressure  of  the 
hand,  a  tender  sigh,  and  a  loving  smile,  was  joy  un- 
speakable to  them.  Soon,  all  too  soon  for  Shepard, 
the  shades  of  night  came  on  and  bade  them  return.  A 
heavenly  peace  and  sweetness  was  in  Shepard's  soul, 
and  he  could  feel  the  still  night  falling  upon  him  like 
a  mantle.  The  dark  shadows  of  the  arch  they  passed 
under  to  their  home  seemed  to  breathe  of  rest,  sweet 
rest.  They  found  the  old  folks  sitting  around  the 
door.  They  could  not  sit  inside,  this  last  evening  at 
home.  Mrs.  Jones  wished  the  young  fo'ks  to  stay, 
and  arose  to  go  and  make  a  light. 

"  I  thank  you,"  said  Shepard.  '*  I  cannot  stay  any 
longer  to-night,  but  I  will  be  here  early  in  the  morn- 
ing. 

He  bade  them  good  night  and  wa.ked  home  slowly, 
the  sweet  peace  still  filling  his  soul. 

Years,  long  years  after,  he  thought  of  that  happy 
evening,  and  longed  for  its  quiet  and  rest.  When 
lying  in  the  desert  exhausted  upon  the  sand,  or  toil- 
ing in  the  mountains  amongst  their  perpetual  snow, 
the  charm  of  that  evening  would  creep  over  him, 
and  again  he  saw  the  green  lanes,  the  lovely  flowers, 
the  gloomy,  shadowy  arch,  and  again  heard  the  merry 
laughter  of  his  companions,  saw  loving  eyes,  and  felt 
the  warm  pressure  of  a  soft  comforting  hand.  It  was 
an  evening  ever  to  be  remembered. 

Shepard  was  at  Jones'  early  next  morning  and  as- 
sisted them  with  the  children  and  carried  a  laughing 
little  miss  to  the  station.  Good-byes  were  exchanged, 
hands  warmly  shaken,  "  God  ble-s  and  protect  you  " 
said,  and  with  kisses,  sobs,  shrles  and  tears,  they 
parted.  Those  on  the  train  turned  their  hearts  to 
Zion,  and  those  left  behind  turned  with  streaming  eyes 
to  the  broken  homes  and  vacant  chairs. 

On  arriving  at  Liverpool  they  found  no  one  to  re- 
ceive them.     So  Boyle  and  Shepard  started  out  to 


120  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

find  Brother  Sampson.  They  met  him  a  short  dis- 
tance from  the  station,  and  he  exclaimed :  "  How  do 
you  do,  Brother  Boyle?  How  are  you,  Brother  Shep- 
ard  ?  I  am  glad  to  see  you,  very  glad  to  see  you ;  and 
am  pleased  to  find  you  so  earnest  in  your  desire  to  go 
to  Zion.  I  think  we  can  get  you  off ;  I  feel  quite  sure 
we  will.  The  saints  will  go  on  the  ship  this  evening. 
You  go  on  with  your  friends,  make  yourself  easy,  and 
act  like  the  rest.  Brother  Jones  has  some  business  in 
the  office  this  afternoon,  so  I  will  send  instructions  by 
him  how  you  shall  proceed  to-morrow." 

He  returned  with  them,  and  they  met  Brother  Jones 
at  the  door.  Shepard  left  them  shaking  hands  and 
hurried  to  Annie  to  tell  her  the  rood  news.  Pres- 
ently Brother  Sampson  walked  in,  and  it  was  amusing 
to  hear  the  sisters  exclaim  at  sight  of  him :  "  Oh, 
there's  Brother  Sampson !  "  ''  Brother  Sampson's 
coming !  "  "  Mother,  here's  Brother  Sampson !  " 
"  Brother  Sampson  has  come !  "  ''  Dear  Brother 
Sampson  is  coming  this  way !  " 

The  missionaries  from  Zion  are  almost  worshiped 
by  the  English  saints,  and  the  sisters,  woman-like, 
give  them  their  warmest  affection  and  fullest  confi- 
dence, and  make  many  sacrifices  for  them.  I  have 
known  saints  to  spend  their  last  penny  to  get  up  a 
good  meal  for  the  elders,  while  the  children  for  the 
rest  of  the  week  would  have  to  eat  bread  without  but- 
ter and  porridge  without  milk.  It  was  good  for  the 
elders,  but  rough  on  the  children,  who  were  poorly  fed 
at  the  best. 

There  was  nothing  to  do  until  evening,  so  the  young 
folks  took  a  stroll  around  town  and  made  a  few  pur- 
chases. Towards  evening  they  moved  on  board,  and 
Shepard  found  plenty  to"  do.  He  did  not  hesitate  a 
moment,  but  went  with  his  friends  and  was  of  much 
service  to  them  in  helping  with  the  boxes,  bundles  and 
sacks,  or  anything  he  could  find  to  do.    When  every- 


Young  Shepard.  121 

thing  was  below  they  ga  hered  around  a  box  and  ate 
supper.  Howard  said :  **  I  am  glad  you  have  come, 
Shepard,  for  I  don't  see  what  we  would  have  done 
without  you." 

All  praised  him,  and  he  felt  well  paid  for  his  labor. 
Night  had  come,  so  they  went  on  deck  to  see  the  twink- 
ling lights  of  the  town,  and  to  sing  and  hear  the  songs 
of  Zion. 

As  Shepard  was  leading  Annie  to  the  steps,  Brother 
Jones  tapped  him  on  the  shoulder  and  said :  "  Come 
this  way,  Brother  Shepard;  I  wish  to  speak  to 
you." 

Jones  led  him  to  a  quiet  spot  and  said :  ''  Brother 
Sampson  wants  you  to  dress  in  your  best  clothes  in 
the  morning,  and  fix  up  as  nicely  as  you  can,  for  he 
wants  to  pass  you  off  as  an  elder  from  Utah.  While 
the  people  are  being  examined  you  will  mix  with  the 
other  missionaries.  When  the  people  are  passed 
along  you  will  be  placed  at  the  head  of  a  stairway  to 
assist  the  old  folks  down.  When  a  few  of  the  people 
have  gone  down,  go  down  with  some  old  person  and 
do  not  come  back,  but  go  and  change  clothes  and  mix 
with  the  people  as  one  of  them.  This  is  all  you  need 
to  do.  and  if  you  perform  your  part  well  all  will  come 
out  right." 

When  Shepard  went  on  deck  he  found  they  had 
been  moved  down  the  river.  Brother  Shepard  of 
Utah  was  as  carefully  dressed  as  any  elder  present. 
He  was  scented  and  oiled,  and  wore  his -plug  hat  with 
becoming  dignity.  When  the  people  were  driven  off 
like  so  many  cattle,  and  a  rope  stretched  across  the 
ship  to  keep  them  there.  Brother  Shepard  joined  the 
little  group  of  missionaries  that  were  looking  on. 
Presently  the  people  were  passed  along  one  at  a  time, 
and  the  missionaries  took  their  different  stations  to 
assist  the  saints.  Shepard  stood  at  the  head  of  the 
stairs  leading  to  the  married  people's  quarters.    About 


122  An  Old  Dusty 's  Story. 

fifty  had  passed  by  him,  when  an  Utah  elder  came 
alone  leading  a  feeble  old  lady.  He  passed  her  to 
Shepard  with  a  wink,  and  he  knew  the  time  had  come. 
He  led  her  carefully  down  the  stair  and  to  her  seat. 
Then  he  quickly  passed  along  and  disappeared  into 
Brother  Jones'  bunk.  Thoughtful  Sister  Jones  had 
put  up  a  screen  so  Shepard  was  hidden  from  view.  His 
clothes  were  there,  and  changing  quickly,  he  stowed  his 
best  "  duds  "  (plug-hat  and  all)  away  in  a  sack  and 
then  mixed  with  the  people.  When  Brother  Jones  came 
down  he  found  Shepard  listening  with  open  mouth  to 
an  old  Scotch  saint  who  was  telling  him  about  the 
glorious  things  in  store  for  the  saints  in  Zion.  They 
were  presently  called  on  deck  to  receive  advice  from 
Brother  Bigman. 

Then  a  shout  of  farewell,  a  waving  of  hats  and 
handkerchiefs,  the  small  steamer  started  on  its  return 
home,  and  the  big  ship  followed  the  little  tug  down  the 
river  and  out  to  the  deep  blue  sea.  Shepard  was  given 
a  share  of  Boyle's  bunk  in  the  forecastle,  so  he  re- 
tired early  that  night,  being  tired  from  the  exertion 
of  the  day  before.  He  awoke  next  m.orning  to  find  the 
ship  rolling  in  an  unpleasant  manner.  He  went  on 
deck  and  found  the  little  tug  still  toiling  on,  and  the 
waves,  big  waves  to  him,  roHing  around  the  ship. 
The  tug  left  them  in  the  afternoon  and  he  watched 
it  out  of  sight,  and  then  felt  they  were  alone  on  the  big 
ocean  at  the  mercy  of  the  winds  and  waves.  For  some 
days  Shepard  was  uneasy  for  fear  of  discovery,  but 
at  the  end  of  a  week  he  felt  safe  and  sure  of  reaching 
New  York.  Further  than  that  he  did  not  hope  to  go 
this  season,  for  he  had  no  money.  He  had  only  about 
a.  pound  when  he  came  on  board,  and  that  he  had 
given  to  Howard,  who,  by  general  consent,  had  been 
put  at  the  head  of  the  little  party  from  Preston.  Shep- 
ard ate  with  them,  and  had  enough,  such  as  it  was.  He 
had  a  talk  with  Annie,  and  told  her  he  should  try 


Young  Shepard.  123 

to  obtain  work  in  New  York,  and  as  soon  as  possible 
he  would  follow  her  to  Zion. 

He  said,  "  Will  you  wait  for  me  until  I  can  come 
to  you  ?  " 

And  she  replied,  *'  Yes,  I  will  wait  for  you.  You 
must  write  to  me  often  and  let  me  know  how  you 
get  along.  If  you  cannot  come  to  Zion  next  season 
I  shall  wait  until  you  can  come." 

Shepard  pressed  her  hand  and  would  like  to  have 
kissed  her,  but  was  afraid  to  olTend.  There  are  few 
lovers  like  Shepard.  He  was  always  kind  and  atten- 
tive, but  was  shy  and  backward.  He  did  not  act  as  if 
he  owned  her,  like  some  lovers  do,  and  he  never  asked 
for  nor  stole  a  kiss.  Few  women  in  Annie's  station 
of  life  are  treated  by  their  lovers  with  so  much  defer- 
ence, few  but  would  have  appreciated  more  than  she. 
Shepard  was  happy,  but  his  happiness  was  not  to  last 
long.  Ever  since  they  had  been  fairly  on  the  way, 
the  returning  missionaries  had  been  preparing  them  for 
Zion.  It  began  with  a  gentle  hint  that  they  would 
hardly  find  the  Utah  saints  perfect.  And  they  went 
on  until  they  informed  the  emigrants  that  they  would 
find  some  saints  in  Zion  who  drank  and  swore,  who 
did  not  treat  their  families  well,  and  who  would  take 
advantage  of  and  cheat  the  newcomers  if  they  could. 
Brother  Sampson  said  to  a  few  brethren  who  gathered 
around  him  one  day :  "  You  must  remember  when  you 
see  a  sai*nt  do  wrong,  that  it  does  not  affect  the  gospel. 
The  gospel  is  true  and  cannot  be  changed  by  anything 
the  saints  may  do.  If  I  were  to  do  wrong,  I  should  be 
for  ever  damned,  but  it  would  not  hurt  you.  Do  not 
allow  yourselves  to  be  led  away  by  the  actions  of 
others.  You  have  your  own  souls  o  save,  so  see  you 
do  right  and  live  your  religion  and  you  will  be  sure 
to  receive  your  reward.  Obey  counsel  in  all  things, 
even  if  it  seems  to  injure  you  and  be  contrary  to  what 
you  conceive  to  be  right.     If  you  are  tried,  it  will  be 


T24  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

for  your  good.  The  Lord  will  have  a  tried  people; 
and  remember  the  race  is  not  for  the  swift  alone,  but 
for  those  who  continue  to  the  end.  Don't  allow  your- 
selves to  criticise  and  find  fau^t  with  the  priesthood. 
When  a  brother  or  sister  begins  to  do  that,  they  have 
started  upon  the  path  that  leads  to  apostasy  and 
eternal  damnation.  Do  not  be  too  particular  about 
the  work  you  do.  If  you  soft-handed  clerks  are 
given  a  pick  or  shovel  to  dig  a  ditch,  don't  say  you 
want  something  better  than  that,  but  do  it  without 
complaining,  and  remember  you  are  building  up  the 
kingdom  of  God." 

Shepard  was  always  an  attentive  listener  to  Brother 
Sampson.  To  this  speech  he  paid  great  attention  and 
studied  the  words  too  closely  for  his  own  comfort. 
He  lay  awake  for  hours  that  night,  thinking  over  them, 
and  asked  himself  if  they  were  not  a  contradiction  to 
the  words  Sampson  had  spoken  to  them  at  home.  He 
felt  they  were,  and  it  hurt  him  to  think  that  the  saints 
in  Zion  were  not  pure  and  good  and  holy.  He  felt 
disappointed  and  deceived.  But  he  could  not  under- 
stand it  very  well,  for  his  thoughts  chased  each  other 
through  the  chambers  of  his  brain  until  his  head  was 
in  a  whirl.  He  felt  feverish  and  turned  from  side  to 
side  in  his  endeavor  to  obtain  rest.  He  disturbed 
Brother  Boyle,  who  sad  reprovingly:  "Do  be  still, 
Shepard." 

Next  day,  and  for  many  days,  the  thought  that 
Sampson  had  deceived  him  came  to  his  mind,  and  he 
felt  troubled.  He  did  not  like  the  idea  of  doing  what 
he  was  told  if  it  should  seem  wrong  to  him.  He  was 
willing  to  obey  the  priesthood  in  everything  that  was 
right,  but  he  felt  he  cou'd  not  do  it  if  it  should  seem 
wrong. 

One  forenoon  Shepard  and  young  Jones  were  to- 
gether   on    deck    when    Brother    Sampson    passed. 


Young  Shepard.  12S 

Turning  to  Shepard,  Jones  said  with  a  laugh :  "  I'll 
bet  you  can't  tell  what  he's  got  in  his  pockets." 

Shepard  answered,  **  I  do  not  bet,  but  I  can  tell  you." 

"What  is  it?" 

"  His  hands,  of  course." 

The  boy  laughed  again  and  said :  "  I  did  not  mean 
his  hands.  What  is  there  in  those  pockets  when  his 
hands  are  out  ?  " 

"  I  do  not  know." 

"  Don't  you  know  those  pockets  are  his  tea  and 
sugar  bags  ?  " 

"  Get  away  with  you,"  said  Shepard,  "  I  do  not 
want  any  of  your  nonsense." 

"  It  isn't  nonsense,  for  Brother  Sampson  has  tea 
and  sugar  in  those  pockets  to  frive  to  the  sisters.  If 
you  don't  believe  it,  come  below  and  I'll  show  you 
somcthin-TT." 

Shepard  followed  the  boy  and  he  took  a  seat  a  short 
distance  from  his  mother  and  took  up  a  picture  book 
that  lay  on  a  box.  Shepard  was  looking  at  the  pic- 
tures with  him  when  Sampson  came  along,  and  the 
boy  whispered :  "  Now  watch  him." 

Sampson  went  up  to  Sister  Jones  and  said  in  his 
cheery  way :  "  Good  morning,  Sister  Jones,"  and  as 
he  put  out  his  hand  to  take  hers  he  dropped  a  hand- 
ful of  tea  in  her  lap. 

When  he  went  away  Sister  Jones  said  to  Shepard : 
"  Brother  Sampson  is  so  good,  kind  and  thoughtful. 
ilf  the  saints  in  Zion  are  like  him  we  shall  want  for 
nothing  and  be  very  happy." 

But  it  did  not  make  Shepard  happy.  There 
seemed  to  him  a  selfishness  about  it  that  ought  to  be 
unknown  to  a  saint.  He  felt  grieved,  for  he  did  not 
think  it  just  to  give  one  and  not  another.  Poor  Shep- 
ard !  The  Utah  boys  have  a  name  for  you  that  will 
grieve  you  still  more  when  you  hear  it.  Shepard  had 
noticed  of  late,  and  he  had  felt  it  a  little  from  the  first, 


126  An  Old  Dusty 's  Story. 

that  the  returning  missionaries  were  not  so  brotherly 
since  they  set  sail.  All  of  them  except  Sampson 
seemed  to  look  upon  the  emigrating  saints  as  some- 
thing lower  than  themselves,  and  hardly  worthy  to 
worship  the  same  God.  Some  of  them  seemed  to 
think  the  emigrants  were  hardly  good  enough  to  wor- 
ship them,  judging  from  their  cold  stare  and  self- 
importance.  Many  of  the  emigrants  were  ready  to 
worship  the  elders  as  well  as  their  God,  but  not  so 
Shepard.  There  was  very  little  man  worship  in  his 
nature.  He  was  ever  ready  and  willing  to  give  due 
honor  and  respect  to  those  above  him  if  he  found  them 
worthy  of  it,  but  he  had  much  disgust  for  egotism  and 
stinking  pride.  He  was  greatly  disgusted  at  some 
of  the  missionaries  who  would  lie  for  hours  on  the 
deck  with  their  heads  in  the  laps  of  young  girls,  the 
girls  themselves  sitting  on  the  deck  floor.  One  elder 
in  particular  passed  most  of  his  time  that  way,  but 
not  always  with  the  same  girl,  for  there  were  several 
of  them  who  were  proud  to  take  charge  of  his  precious 
head,  but  the  Scotch  lassies  seemed  to  be  his  choice. 
Shepard  heard  no  remarks  about  it ;  all  seemed  to  think 
it  all  right,  for  was  he  not  a  man  of  God  and  above 
the  thought  of  sin?  Perhaps  so,  yet  Shepard  thought 
it  immodest  in  the  girls,  and  unbecoming  the  dignity 
of  a  saint.  To  him  a  saint  was  the  embodiment  of 
all  nobleness,  of  all  purity  and  goodness.  The  saints 
were  to  be  the  patterns  for  all  the  world;  they  were 
to  Hve  so  exalted  a  life  that  kings  and  queens  would 
bow  down  before  them. 

Shepard  could  not  conceive  how  any  one  could  bow 
down  to  these  men,  or  even  respect  them.  He  bad 
been  led  to  believe  that  an  elder  from  Zion  could  do 
no  wrong,  or  be  guilty  of  any  impropriety.  He 
thought  it  wrong  for  Sampson  to  favor  one  more  than 
another,  and  he  was  sure  it  was  improper  for  an  elder 
to  lie  on  the  deck  with  his  head  half  buried  in.  the 


Young  Shepard.  127 

lap  of  a  young  sister,  and  the  brazep  stare  he  gave 
one  as  they  passed  them,  made  Shepard  think  there 
was  more  of  the  devil  about  him  than  the  Lord. 
When  that  elder  got  up  on  Sunday  and  spoke  about  the 
beauties  of  Zion,  of  the  goodness  of  the  Lord,  of  the 
blessing  he  vyrould  bestow  upon  the  righteous ;  and 
when  he  admonished  them  to  be  humble  in  heart,  and 
meek  of  spirit,  to  put  away  the  sins  of  the  world,  to 
leave  behind  all  its  follies  and  vanities,  and  be  saints 
worthy  of  the  most  high  God,  Shepard  could  see 
him  lying  on  the  deck  again  with  his  brazen  face  and 
cold  staring  eyes,  and  all  the  charm  of  his  words 
passed  away  and  left  them  empty  and  barren. 

Shepard  could  not  understand  it,  he  was  in  a  mud- 
dle. Not  that  he  doubted  the  gospel ;  no,  he  never 
doubted  that,  the  gospel  was  true,  he  felt  sure  of  it. 
But,  that  the  elders  from  Zion  could  do  shameful 
things  was  what  troubled  him.  He  would  not  have 
done  the  like,  for  he  thought  it  unseemly  to  the  eyes 
of  God  and  man. 

But  if  Shepard  allowed  doubts  to  enter  his  mind, 
the  other  young  people  did  not.  Mormonism  was  a 
jolly  religion  to  them,  for  some  of  the  Utah  elders  had 
taught  them  the  dances  of  Zion,  and  every  fine  day 
except  Sunday  the  fiddle  and  concertina  could  be 
heard,  and  the  cry  of  '*  balance  all  "  and  **  all  prome- 
nade '*  floated  with  the  sound  of  music  over  the  water. 

Shepard  spent  most  of  his  evenings  with  the  Pres- 
ton folks,  talking  about  Zion.  One  evening  he  vvtent 
down  to  their  quarters,  and  finding  no  one  there,  he 
sat  down  by  Jones'  bunk.  The  gloomy  shadov\|s  as 
they  fell  around  him  made  him  sad,  unutterably  sad. 
He  thought  over  the  changed  stories  of  the  elders  in 
regard  to  Zion,  and  he  felt  convinced  they  had  de- 
ceived him  and  others  to  induce  them  to  go  to 
Zion. 

Seven  weeks  had  passed ;  they  had  been  tossed  back- 


128  An  Old  Dusty 's  Story. 

ward  and  forward  by  the  winds  until  many  of  them 
were  so  sick  of  old  Neptune  that  they  wished  they 
had  never  seen  him.  Shepard  had  had  his  share  of 
sickness,  and  at  one  time  he  would  not  have  cared  if 
the  ship  had  gone  down  and  put  an  end  to  it  all.  But 
that  was  past  now,  for  here  was  land,  beautiful 
land.  And  it  was  good  to  see,  and  such  a  relief  to  the 
tired,  strained  eyes  that  had  been  looking  for  it  for 
many  days.  The  people  crowded  on  deck  with  songs 
and  rejoicing.  Shepard  felt  a  new  man,  his  heart 
bounded  within  him,  for  there  was  life  and  action  be- 
fore him.  There  would  be  no  more  dreary,  idle  days 
and  wakeful  nights,  but  work,  hard  work,  was  before 
him,  and  he  was  eager  for  it. 

As  he  stood  gazing  on  the  land  with  pleasure,  a 
hand  was  laid  upon  his  shoulder,  but  he  did  not  turn, 
for  he  thought  it  was  some  one  wanting  to  get  a  better 
view  of  the  land.  He  felt  the  hand  pulling  him,  so 
turning,  he  found  it  to  be  one  of  the  missionaries  who 
said :  ''  Come  with  me." 

Shepard  was  much  surprised,  but  followed  without 
a  word.  He  was  taken  to  the  Captain's  cabin  and 
when  he  entered  the  missionary  said :  "  Captain,  this 
is  the  man,"  and  then  left  the  room. 

There  were  two  officers  and  the  Doctor  with  the 
Captain,  and  they  all  looked  at  Shepard.  The  Cap- 
tain's frown  and  the  serious  faces  of  the  others  con- 
vinced Shepard  he  was  discovered.  He  became  more 
serious  than  the  rest  and  stood  waiting  for  the  Captain 
to  speak.  There  was  not  a  word  spoken  for  some  mo- 
ments, all  was  quiet  as  the  grave. 

*'  How  came  you  here  ?  "  said  the  Captain  in  a  hard, 
stern  voice.  Shepard  did  not  speak,  and  the  Captain 
cried  in  a  voice  that  might  have  been  heard  in  the 
strongest  gale,  "How  came  you  here,  sir?" 

Shepard  replied  in  a  voice  hardly  audible :  ''  The 
elder  brought  me." 


Young  Shepard.  129 

The  doctor  smiled,  and  the  captain  frowned  more 
darkly  and  said:  "How  came  you  upon  this  ship?" 

Shepard  answered :  "  I  came  with  the  other  people." 

"  The  other  people  paid  their  passage,  you  did  not." 

"  No,  sir." 

"  Do  you  not  know  you  have  robbed  the  company 
of  that  much  money  ?  " 

"  No,  sir,  I  had  not  thought  of  robbing  anyone." 

"  You  have,  though,  for  it  is  the  same  as  putting 
your  hand  in  their  pockets  and  taking  the  money  out." 

The  captain's  words  hurt  Shepard  severely,  for 
he  had  not  looked  at  it  in  that  light.  He  felt  guilty, 
but  not  with  the  guilt  of  a  thief,  so  he  said :  "  I  do 
not  think  it  is  so  bad  as  that,  for  I  have  taken  nothing 
from  you.  My  friends  have  furnished  me  with  food 
and  it  has  not  hurt  the  ship  to  carry  me." 

*'  No,"  roared  the  captain,  *'  it  has  not  hurt  the  ship, 
but  it  has  hurt  the  company.  Do  you  suppose  that 
they  can  carry  people  over  for  nothing  ?  " 

"  No,  sir." 

"  Then  why  did  you  come  ?  " 

"  I  wanted  to  go  to  America." 

"  You  did,  eh  ?  Well,  we  will  put  you  in  prison, 
ard  see  what  you  think  of  America  then."   * 

Turning  to  the  doctor  he  said :  "  Is  it  not  six  weeks 
in  prison  for  stealing  over  in  this  manner?" 

The  doctor  replied :  "  Yes,  it  is  six  weeks,  give  to 
him  full." 

The  captain  turned  to  Shepard  again  and  said: 
"  What  do  you  think  of  that  ?  " 

'*  I  shall  not  mind  it,  for  I  have  got  to  America." 

"  Oh,  you  won't  ?  But  you  can  tell  better  when 
you  serve  six  weeks  in  jail  at  hard  labor  and  live  on 
bread  and  water.  You  can  go  now ;  I  know  where  to 
find  you  when  the  officer  comes." 

Shepard  went  to  the  deck.  He  did  not  expect  to  be 
premitted  to  do  so,  but  thought  he  should  be  ironed 
9 


130  An  Old  Dusty 's  Story. 

and  placed  in  the  hold.  He  had  read  horrible  stories 
about  a  ship's  holds,  of  irons,  darkness  and  rats,  and 
was  glad  indeed  to  escape  them.  A  tug-boat  had 
come  to  take  them  in,  and  most  of  the  people  had  gone 
forward.  Shepard  did  not  join  them;  he  was  a  pris- 
oner now,  and  felt  he  had  no  place  amongst  them.  He 
thought  of  Zion  with  its  peace  and  goodness,  and  he 
was  filled  with  a  stronger  desire  than  ever  to  go  to 
Utah.  And  he  would  go,  too,  for  he  was  in  America 
now.  Six  weeks  would  soon  pass  away,  then  he  would 
be  free  to  work  his  way  to  Utah,  to  Zion — now  more 
bright  and  beautiful  to  him  than  ever.  While  he  jja^. 
thus  thinking,  young  Jones  came  to  him  and  bad^mm 
go  down  to  dinner.  Shepard  told  his  friends  what  the 
captain  had  said.  Howard  thought  it  would  not  be 
so  bad  as  that. 

Shepard  had  a  short  talk  with  Annie  that  afternoon, 
and  told  her  he  would  follow  her  to  Zion  as  soon  as 
possible.  She  promised  to  wait  for  him  and  be  true 
for  ever.  They  anchored  in  the  bay  that  night,  and 
though  intensely  dark,  they  were  soon  besieged  by  a 
number  of  small  boats  which  contained  fresh  bread 
and  fruit  for  sale.  The  captain  gave  orders  to  let  no 
one  on  board,  but  one  boat  made  itself  fast,  and  sold 
some  brecid  and  fruit. 

Shepard  said  to  himself :  "  This  is  my  chance  to  get 
away;  why  should  I  go  to  prison  if  I  can  avoid  it? 
I  will  go  away  in  that  boat." 

He  went  to  Howard  to  tell  him  his  intention  and 
to  bid  the  folks  good-by.  Howard  listened  thought- 
fully and  then  said :  "  Do  not  go,  the  men  in  New 
York  are  very  bad,  and  those  men  may  throw  you 
out  of  the  boat  and  drown  you.  They  may  be  apos- 
tates, and  you  know  the  missionaries  say  we  must 
keep  away  from  them." 

Yes,  it  was  true  the  returning  elders  had  carefully 
instructed  them  to  avoid  all  apostates,  and  all  those 


Young  Shepard.  131 

who  were  not  saints.  They  had  said :  '*  The  Ameri- 
cans are  so  bad  you  cannot  trust  any  one,  and  the 
more  gentlemanly  they  appear  the  worse  they  are 
Hkely  to  be."  They  showed  in  dark  colors  the  wicked- 
ness of  the  nation  who  had  killed  their  prophets,  and 
many  of  the  saints  believed  every  word  of  it.  But  not 
so  with  Shepard.  He  had  more  faith  in  his  fellow 
men  than  to  believe  them  all  devils.  But  he  was  ever 
ready  to  obey  counsel,  and  if  Brother  Howard  said 
stay  and  go  to  prison,  he  would  do  so. 

Howard  said,  "  Do  not  go  with  them."  Shepard 
said  no  more,  but  went  to  rest.  Everything  was  hustle 
and  hurry  next  morning.  The  people  were  going  on 
shore  so  there  was  plenty  of  work  to  do.  Shepard 
became  so  busy  that  for  the  time  he  forgot  he  was 
a  prisoner.  By  ten  o'clock  most  of  the  people  were 
gone,  and  now  Shepard's  friends  were  going.  He 
looked  around,  no  one  seemed  to  notice  him.  The 
captain  was  not  in  sight,  for  the  reason  he  had  gone 
on  shore  the  night  before,  so  Shepard  put  Sister 
Jones'  basket  on  his  arm  and  went  with  his  friend. 
He  was  soon  in  Castle  Garden,  and  began  to  think 
he  was  free,  when  he  saw  a  man  at  a  small  window 
taking  down  names.  He  had  to  go  there,  too,  so  he 
sighed  and  said :  **  Ah,  that  is  the  man  that  will  nab 
me." 

He  gave  his  name  and  age  and  stood  staring  at  the 
man  until  pushed  away  to  make  room  for  others,  and 
then  he  felt  he  was  free.  But  there  was  greater  joy 
still  in  store  for  him.  He  was  informed  that  he  could 
have  a  free  pass  over  the  railroad  if  he  would  agree 
to  work  on  Brigham  Young's  contract. 

When  he  got  his  pass  he  took  a  walk  about  New 
York  to  see  the  great  city. 


132  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 


CHAPTER  XI. 

A  MISCONSTRUCTION. 

At  some  of  the  changes  there  was  insufficient  car 
room,  and  for  days  Shepard  and  a  few  others  would 
have  to  ride  in  a  box  car.  Shepard  did  not  complain 
though  he  sometimes  missed  his  dinner,  which  gener- 
ally consisted  of  a  piece  of  bread,  and  his  sides  were 
sore  from  lying  on  the  boards  without  bedding.  On 
account  of  some  delay  the  emigrants  had  to  stop  over 

night  at  C ,  and  their  train  not  having  come  in, 

they  were  to  sleep  on  the  depot  grounds.  The  people 
were  placed  as  close  together  as  possible  and  a  Mor- 
mon guard  put  around  them. 

**  What  is  the  meaning  of  this  ?  "  asked  Shepard  of 
Brother  Jones. 

**  It  is  to  protect  our  girls.  Brother  Sampson  says 
there  are  bad  men  here  who  would  molest  our  girls 
if  they  were  not  guarded." 

Shepard  heard  next  morning  that  several  men  had 
been  caugrht  crawling  on  their  hands  and  knees,  trying 
to  make  their  way  to  the  girls.  Some  one  said  the 
saints  were  in  danger  of  being  mobbed,  so  Shepard 

with   many   others    were   glad   to   get  out    of  C . 

When  the  last  change  of  cars  was  made  and  they  were 
speeding  on  to  Laramie,  where  they  would  meet  the 
''  Utah  boys,"  Shepard  and  the  Jones  boy  took  a  vacant 
seat  by  the  door,  their  friends  being  in  the  center  of 
the  car. 

Shortly  afterwards  the  door  opened,  and  a  German 


A  Misconstruction.  133 

came  in  followed  by  his  wife.  They  passed  down  the 
car,  and  not  finding  a  seat,  they  came  back  and  stood 
by  the  door  near  Shepard.  He  arose  at  once  and 
offered  them  his  seat ;  they  said  something  he  could 
not  understand,  and  as  they  stood  looking  at  each 
other  the  returning  German  missionary  came  in.  Shep- 
ard told  him  he  wished  those  people  to  take  his 
seat ;  the  boy  had  also  left  the  seat,  but  he  could  not 
make  them  understand. 

The  missionary  said :  '*  I  do  not  think  you  need  to 
give  up  your  seat ;  at  least  keep  it  until  I  see  the  other 
cars. 

Feeling  miserable  and  unable  to  rest,  Shepard  rose 
and  went  outside,  followed  by  the  boy.  The  Germans, 
finding  he  did  not  return,  sat  down. 

When  Shepard  went  in  to  his  friends,  leaving  the 
boy  outside,  he  noticed  them  look  toward  the  windows, 
so  going  up  to  Annie  he  said :  "  What  do  you  see  out- 
side,  Annie?" 

She  did  not  speak  or  turn  her  head,  so  he  spoke 
louder,  and  then  she  gave  him  a  cold,  haughty  stare 
and  turned  to  the  window  again.  Shepard  looked 
around  at  the  others,  and  the  faces  of  all  were  blank ; 
I  hey  did  not  seem  to  know  him.  He  stood  dum- 
foundcd  for  a  moment,  and  then  left  the  car  without 
a  word.  When  he  reached  the  platform  the  boy  ex- 
claimed :  '*  What  is  the  matter  with  you  ?  " 

"  I  do  not  feel  well,  for  none  of  the  folks  will  speak 
to  me.  I  cannot  account  for  it,  unless  there  is  a  mis- 
understanding al)out  the  seat.  Do  you  know  where 
Brother  Hoyle  is  seated  ?  " 

**  I  think  he  is  with  the  missionaries." 

"  I  would  like  to  see  him,  but  I  cannot  go  there. 
If  the  folks  say  anything  about  the  seat,  tell  them  how 
we  came  to  sit  there." 

Presently  the  train  stnppcd  and  Shepard  went  to 
the  box  car  and  found  a   few  Danes  already  there. 


134  An  Old  Dusty 's  Story. 

They  had  not  been  in  the  passenger  cars  at  all,  and 
seemed  quite  contented.  The  train  made  a  long  stop, 
but  Shepard  kept  in  the  car,  for  he  felt  too  miser- 
able to  look  around. 

He  was  very  sensitive,  he  felt  the  least  pos- 
sible slight  keenly,  so  this  treatment  from  his  friends 
was  most  painful,  and  above  all  it  was  torture  to  him 
to  have  Annie  treat  him  so  coldly. 

He  had  suffered  much  in  mind  since  he  left  home 
but  this  was  worst  of  all.  The  train  went  along 
slowly,  but  Shepard  did  not  notice  its  speed.  He  lay 
on  the  floor  in  misery,  for  there  was  not  one  there  he 
could  talk  to,  or  who  could  talk  to  him.  He  became 
conscious  that  the  train  had  stopped,  but  he  did  not 
move  or  look  out.  He  heard  a  voice  calling  him,  and 
rising  to  a  sitting  posture  he  saw  young  Jones  at  the 
door,  who  said,  "  Come  to  supper,  Shepard,  before  the 
train  starts."  Shepard  now  noticed  the  sun  was  gone, 
and  though  he  had  had  no  food  since  morning  he  said : 
■"  I  do  not  feel  well  to-night,  and  do  not  wish  any 
supper." 

"  Come  and  take  some  anyhow." 

"  No,  Dick,  I  shall  not  go  to-night." 

The  boy  went  away,  and  Shepard  asked  himself 
if  he  could  ever  eat  his  friends'  food  again.  He  felt 
he  would  rather  starve  than  do  so.  While  he  sat 
thinking  what  he  should  do,  Dick  returned  with  some 
bread  and  said :  ''  Brother  Howard  has  sent  you  this, 
and  you  must  eat  it."  He  then  laid  the  bread  down 
and  ran  off,  as  the  train  was  moving. 

Shepard's  first  impulse  was  to  throw  the  bread  out, 
but  before  he  could  move  he  was  ashamed  at  the 
thought.  He  felt  he  could  not  refuse  it,  to  do  so  after 
all  they  had  done  for  him  would  be  most  unirrateful. 
He  could  not  sleep  that  nig:ht,but  tossed  around  till  near 
morning,  then  dozed  off  and  did  not  awake  until  called 
by  Dick,  who  said:  *'  Brother  Howard  wants  you." 


Young  Shepard.  135 

Shepard  got  up  and  took  off  his  overcoat,  that  coat 
was  his  bed  and  bedding.  He  found  Howard  and 
Boyle  on  the  platform  of  their  car.  They  bade  him 
good  morning,  and  then  Howard  said : 

*'  You  must  not  think  anything  of  yesterday's  mis- 
understanding, for  it  is  all  over  now.  At  first  we 
thought  you  would  not  give  up  the  seat,  and  the 
woman  got  offended  over  it,  but  we  discovered  our 
mistake  and  now  know  you  were  not  to  blame. 
Come  in  and  take  breakfast." 

Shepard  hesitated,  so  Boyle  said :  *'  You  must  pay 
no  attention  to  a  lot  of  foolish  women.  We  know  you 
did  what  was  right,  so  never  mind  them.  Come  with 
us  to  breakfast." 

Shepard  followed  them  and  bade  his  friends  good 
morning,  but  only  Brother  and  Sister  Jones  answered 
him.  Annie  did  not  speak  or  look  at  him.  He  glanced 
around  at  the  faces  of  the  others,  and  saw-  they  yet 
half  believed  him  guilty.  He  gazed  upon  Annje  and 
felt  she  knew  he  was  gfuilty  of  no  wrong,  but  was 
too  proud  to  acknowledge  her  mistake.  He  took  his 
**  piece  "  from  Mrs.  Howard  and  left  the  car.  The 
days  that  followed  were  miserable  ones  to  Shepard, 
but  he  bore  them  bravely,  and  was  anxious  to  reach 
the  end  of  the  railroad,  for  then  there  would  be  work 
of  some  kind.  He  was  glad  indeed  when  they  got  to 
Laramie  and  saw  the  ox  teams  that  would  take  them 
to  Zion. 

He  told  Howard  he  would  hire  out  to  some  one,  and 
not  be  a  burden  upon  them  any  longer,  and  when  he 
reached  Brigham  Young's  contract  he  would  stop  and 
work  on  the  railroad.  Howard  objected  to  Shepard's 
going  away,  and  said :  **  Don't  leave  us  now,  for  we 
shall  need  you  on  the  way.  These  women  and 
children  can  do  nothing,  and  will  require  all  of  my 
time  to  care  for  them,  so  I  shall  need  you  to  do  the 


136  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

work  for  us,  for  I  don't  expect  much  from  Jones  or 
Boyle." 

Shepard  answered :  ''  If  you  need  me  I  shall  be 
pleased  to  stay.  I  thought  I  had  been  a.  burden  upon 
you  long  enough,  and  that  is  my  reason  for  leaving 
you,  but  if  you  say,  stay,  I  will  not  leave  you  to  go 
to  any  one  else  for  wag&s." 

Howard  said  he  must  stay  with  them.  As  Shepard 
could  bake,  it  was  agreed  ke  should  make  the  bread, 
but  the  women  should  prepare  the  flour  for  him. 

There  were  thirteen  of  them  in  Howard's  wagon, 
so  Shepard  was  likely  to  have  work  enough.  He  put 
on  his  overcoat  and  top-boots  that  night,  and  slept 
out  for  the  first  time  in  his  life.  He  had  no  bed  or 
bedding,  so  instead  of  undressing  when  he  lay  down 
he  put  more  clothes  on,  and  his  overcoat  over  all. 
Shepard  was  much  disappointed  with  the  Utah  boys. 
He  told  Brother  Boyle  he  had  never  seen  such  a 
coarse  lot  of  men  any  place,  and  Boyle  answered,  "  I 
am  also  much  disappointed  in  them,  for  I  certainly 
expected  to  find  them  with  the  manners  of  gentlemen. 
We  are  to  lead  the  world  in  every  good  thing,  and 
be  teachers  to  the  world,  but  I  am  sorry  to  say  these 
men  are  not  able  to  do  it.  Brother  Shepard,  I  am 
troubled  over  many  things,  for  I  have  seen  wroag  and 
injustice  come  from  those  who  are  our  guides,  and 
who  hold  the  everlasting  priesthood.  But  I  comfort 
myself  by  thinking  it  has  nothing  to  do  with  the  gospel, 
and  I  shall  find  everything  all  right  in  Zion.  These 
men,  no  doubt,  are  kept  for  a  purpose;  they  may  be 
saints,  but  they  are  not  the  ones  who  will  be  saviors 
on  Mount  Zion.  Let  you  and  I  see  to  our  own  sal- 
vation, let  us  live  before  the  Lord  as  becomes  a  true 
Latter  Day  saint.  I  know  the  gospel  is  true,  and  the 
actions  of  men  shall  not  afifect  me." 

''  Brother  Boyle,"  said  Shepard,  ''  I  feel  as  you  do. 
I  do  not  doubt  the  gospel,  and  I  did  not  want  to  doubt 


Young  Shepard.  137 

my  brethren.  I  have  been  greatly  blessed  and  have 
much  to  thank  the  Lord  for.  I  have  trusted  him, 
and  he  has  opened  the  way  for  me  until  I  am  with 
his  saints,  and  though  they  are  not  what  I  expected, 
they  will  take  me  to  Zion,  where  we  shall  find  the  good 
and  pure  in  heart." 

The  emigrants  were  detained  a  few  days  at  Laramie 
waiting  for  baggage.  Shepard  had  little  to  do 
through  the  day  so  he  went  to  town  to  see  its  strange 
life.  One  afternoon  he  was  accosted  by  a  travel- 
stained  man,  who  said :  "  Going  West,  I  suppose  ?  " 

Shepard  simply  answered :  *'  Yes." 

"  Do  you  belong  to  the  Mormcn  camp  over  there  ?  " 

"  Yes." 

"  Then  you  are  going  to  Utah  ?  " 

"  Yes." 

"  I  would  like  to  talk  to  you  about  Utah.  Let  us  sit 
down  on  those  ties,  it  will  be  better  than  standing." 

Shepard  eyed  the  man  closely.  He  appeared  to  be 
about  forty  years  of  age.  At  home  Shepard  would 
have  called  him  a  tramp,  for  the  man  was  ragged  and 
not  over  clean,  but  here  he  did  not  know  what  to  call 
him,  for  there  were  so  many  strange  men.  Shepard 
looked  at  the  man's  long  hair  and  uncombed  beard, 
and  felt  inclined  to  leave  him.  The  stranger  spoke 
again  and  his  voice  was  pleasant,  and  his  eye  kind,  so 
Shepard  concluded  to  hear  what  he  had  to  say,  and 
went  to  the  ties  with  him. 

The  stranger  seated  himself  and  said :  "  I  find  from 
your  speech  that  you  are  an  Englishman.  I  also  am 
an  Englishman,  and  eight  years  ago  emigrated  to  Utah, 
to  Zion  as  I  then  called  it.  I  was  a  firm  believer  in 
Mormonism.  I  fully  believed  it  to  be  the  gospel  of 
Christ,  and  many  times  have  T  given  my  testimony  of 
its  truth.  When  I  went  to  Utah  I  was  much  disap- 
pointed with  the  state  of  things  there,  still,  I  thought 
Mormonism  true.     I   went   through   the  endowment 


138  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

house  and  determined  to  be  a  good  saint.  But  as  the 
months  passed  I  saw  so  much  deception  and  fraud,  so 
much  lust  and  tyranny,  that  I  began  to  think  the 
gospel  was  a  cloak  under  which  to  practice  the  most 
horrid  crimes.  At  last  I  became  convinced  there  was 
nothing  godly  about  the  system.  I  wa.s  foolish 
enough  to  express  some  of  my  thoughts,  and  was 
brought  before  the  Bishops'  council  for  it.  I  was  de- 
nounced and  threatened,  and  I  had  been  there  long 
enough  to  know  what  it  meant.  So  I  acknowledged 
my  sin,  and  begged  for  forgiveness.  I  knew  if  I  did 
not  do  so  I  should  be  murdered.  Others  had  been 
murdered  for  speaking  against  the  foul  actions  of  the 
priesthood,  and  I  could  not  hope  for  mercy  from  them. 
I  had  also  by  my  vows  given  them  the  right  to  kill  my 
body  to  save  my  soul.  I  saw  more  and  more  of  the 
cursed  system  and  hated  it  in  my  heart,  but  I  dared 
not  let  it  be  known,  not  even  to  my  wife,  for  she  is  a 
strong  Mormon,  and  I  was  afraid  the  priesthood  might 
learn  it  from  her  and  instruct  her  to  poison  me  to  save 
me  from  hell.  I  had  heard  of  such  things  being  done 
and  I  could  not  trust  my  own  wife.  Not  that  she  is  a 
bad  woman,  but  the  priesthood  has  so  much  power 
over  some  women  that  they  will  do  anything  for  the 
good  of  the  church  and  to  save  a  soul.  I  had  to  be  a 
hypocrite  for  fear  of  bodily  harm,  but  I  was  not  alone, 
for  there  are  hundreds  of  hypocrites  in  Utah,  policy- 
men  who  have  often  told  me,  when  in  Rome  to  do 
as  the  Romans  do.  There  is  less  manhood  there  than 
in  any  other  place  of  its  size  in  Christendom.  This 
spring  I  got  a  chance  to  come  East  with  some  gov- 
ernment teams  and  I  have  left  Utah  for  ever.  I  saw 
you  here,  and  supposing  you  were  a  Mormon,  I  felt  a 
strong  desire  to  save  you  from  my  experience.  I  may 
not  be  able  to  do  so,  but  it  will  do  me  good  to  try.  I 
have  many  times  borne  testimony  to  the  truth  of  Mor- 
monisrn.    I  was  sincere  at  that  time  for  I  believed  it  to 


Young  Shepard.  139 

be  true.  I  said  I  knew  it  to  be  true,  but  I  have  found 
I  was  mistaken.  Instead  of  Mormonism  being  true  I 
now  know  it  to  be  false,  yes,  false  as  hell.  Instead  of 
being  free  in  Utah,  as  I  was  taught  at  home  I  should 
be,  I  found  I  was  a  slave  and  must  obey  the  priesthood 
in  all  things.  I  found  I  must  obey  the  priesthood 
whether  they  were  right  or  wrong.  I  must  be  pliant 
as  a  tallowed  rag  or  be  like  *  clay  in  the  hands  of  the 
potter  '  to  be  moulded  as  the  priesthood  desired.  I 
must  have  no  individuality.  I  must  not  have  manhood 
enough  to  object  to  my  wife  being  husbanded  by  my 
Bishop  while  I  was  on  my  mission,  but  instead  I 
should  thank  God  and  bless  the  brother  for  building 
up  my  kingdom.  Young  man,  I  tell  you  that  Utah  is 
a  hotbed  of  sin  and  corruption.  Aye,  it  is  more,  for  in 
it  are  a  nest  of  traitors  who  have  sworn  to  destroy  the 
government  of  this  country." 

The  stranger  paused  for  a  moment,  as  he  had  become 
quite  excited,  and  then  spoke  more  quietly.  He  told 
of  many  horrible  things  that  had  been  done  in  Utah, 
and  finished  by  saying:  **  If  you  wish  peace  and  happi- 
ness do  not  go  to  Utah." 

Shepard  had  listened  without  speaking  a  word.  He 
saw  the  man  was  sincere,  but  he  had  doubts  about  the 
man's  sanity,  so  he  said  quietly :  "  I  shall  go  to  Utah. 
The  saints  may  not  be  perfect,  but  I  cannot  believe 
thai  they  are  as  bad  as  you  say.  I  think  you  are 
honest  and  do  not  wish  to  deceive  me,  but  you  have 
allowed  some  one  to  deceive  you.  Maybe  the  devil 
has  got  control  of  your  mind. ' 

The  stranger  gave  such  a  sweet,  pitying  smile  and 
said,  though  he  seemed  to  be  speaking  as  much  to 
himself  as  to  Shepard :  **  So  they  have  got  their  poison 
to  work.  I  wonder  if  they  ever  let  one  pass  in  with 
a  clear,  unbiased  mind?  I  am  afraid  not.  When 
common  sense  and  reason  show  them  the  fraud  in  the 
Byst^m,  the  poor  dupes  have  been  made  to  think  the 


140  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

devil  is  tempting  them.  Oh,  what  a  bugbear  is  this 
devil !  Young  man,  you  are  to  be  pitied,  for  you  have 
much  to  suffer  before  you  get  rid  of  the  devil.  I 
hardly  expected  to  turn  you  from  Utah,  for  at  a  dis- 
tance your  Zion  seems  so  bright  and  beautiful,  but 
please  remember  me,  and  that  I  wished  to  do  you 
good,  when  you  find  I  have  told  you  the  truth.  You 
are  sure  to  find  I  have  told  you  nothing  but  the  truth. 
Take  my  advice  and  do  not  go  through  the  endowment 
house.  If  you  keep  clear  of  it  you  are  a  free  man, 
if  you  go  through  it  you  are  a  Mormon  slave." 

Shepard  promised  to  remember  him,  and  shaking 
hands,  they  parted  never  to  meet  again. 

Shepard  walked  slowly  back  to  camp  thinking  of 
that  strange  man,  but  he  could  not  believe  his  state- 
ment or  that  the  gospel  was  not  true.  The  freight 
came,  and  then  began  the  long  dreary  tramp  to  Salt 
Lake.  With  the  moving  of  the  train  came  a  greater 
knowledge  of  the  Mormon  boys,  that  filled  Shepard's 
soul  with  horror.  The  contrary  oxen  made  the  boys 
curse  and  swear  until  Shepard  shuddered,  and  their 
cruelty  toward  them  made  him  feel  sick. 

He  said  to  Brother  Boyle :  '  Is  it  not  shameful  for 
those  men  to  kick  and  beat  the  oxen  in  that  manner? 
They  would  be  locked  up  if  they  did  it  in  England." 

Boyle  replied  with  a  smile :  *'  We  are  not  in  England 
and  must  not  expect  too  much." 

Some  of  the  sisters  begged  the  teamsters  not  to 
beat  the  poor  things,  but  they  laughed  coarsely  and 
beat  harder. 

One  of  the  missionaries  said  apologetically :  "  Our 
mountain  boys  are  rather  rough,  but  they  are  large- 
hearted,  brave,  nob^e  men,  and  though  they  do  not  live 
their  religion  as  they  ought  they  are  to  be  depended 
upon,  for  they  would  fight  and  die  for  it." 

Shepard  hardly  believed  him,  for  he  had  found 
Sampson  had  lied  about  not  hearing  much  profanity  in 


Young  Shepard.  141 

Zion,  so  he  doubted  this  man  too.  He  did  not  doubt 
the  boys  would  fifj^ht  and  die  for  their  relig*ion  if  it 
was  necessary,  but  he  could  not  understand  how  a 
brutal  man  could  be  noble.  As  the  days  went  by, 
Shepard  saw  something  that  seemed  worse  than  all. 
It  was  old  men  and  women  painfully  plodding  along 
through  the  sand,  while  strong,  robust  girls  sat  beside 
the  drivers,  who  chatted  and  laughed  as  they  drove 
along  past  the  old  folks.  Others  beside  Shepard  saw 
it,  and  some  spoke  bitterly  about  it. 

C>ne  dry  old  chap  said :  "  You  must  excuse  the  boys, 
for  it  isn't  often  they  get  a  chance  to  put  their  arms 
around  such  fine  girls.  As  for  the  girls,  poor  things, 
they're  tired  and  can't  walk,  for  didn't  they  dance 
until  midnight  ?  " 

It  was  true ;  many  of  the  girls  would  ride  beside  the 
teamsters  in  the  day  and  dance  with  them  at  night. 
And  Annie,  this  love  of  Shepard's,  this  woman  he 
worshiped  and  thought  a  queen,  was  no  better  than  the 
rest.  It  grieved  him  sore.  Not  that  he  objected  to  the 
dance  or  any  other  harmless  amusement,  but  he  was 
sorry  to  see  such  heartless  selfishness  in  his  promised 
wife,  and  thought  it  most  shameful  for  a  saint.  He 
was  trj'ing  to  be  a  **  saint  in  very  deed."  He  had  put 
aside  the  follies  of  the  world ;  he  did  not  live  for  self 
alone,  but  for  his  religion,  and  was  ready  to  do  any- 
thing it  required  of  him.  He  did  not  believe  it  would 
require  him  to  do  an  unmanly  thing.  He  thought  the 
gospel  all  goodness,  all  nobleness  and  purity,  and  so 
he  was  grieved  to  see  anything  else  come  from  a  saint. 

Shepard  and  Boyle  generally  walked  together  some 
distance  ahead  of  the  train.  They  did  not  talk  much. 
Brother  Boyle,  who  had  been  so  joyous  and  buoyant, 
had  little  to  .say.  He  was  mostly  in  deep  thought  and 
seemed  to  have  something  on  his  mind.  Shepard  was 
sure  he  was  troubled  over  things  he  saw  and  heard. 
Shepard  thought  a  great  deal  and  had  his  troubles. 


142  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

He  was  meek  and  tried  to  please  every  one,  but  his 
temper  was  greatly  tried,  and  many  times  he  felt  like 
bursting  out  in  a  storm  of  passion.  He  found  himself 
a  general  roustabout  for  his  party,  and  while  he  was 
a  worker  in  every  sense  of  the  word,  he  found  it  very 
trying  to  obey  every  one's  call.  There  was  one  young 
sister  who  annoyed  him  much.  If  she  wished  a  drink 
of  water  Shepard  was  ordered  to  get  it,  and  if  he  did 
not  bring  it  at  once  she  would  cry  pettishly :  *'  How 
slow  you  are,  Shepard." 

He  found  himself  considerable  of  a  slave.  He  had 
to  get  the  wood  and  carry  the  water  and  wait  upon 
every  one.  Sometimes  Boyle  would  help  get  the  wood, 
but  Howard  generally  found  him  something  else  to 
do.  Brother  Jones  was  worthless ;  he  rode  all  day, 
and  when  they  camped  crawled  out  and  lay  under  the 
wagon.  He  was  even  too  lazy  to  assist  his  wife  with 
the  little  ones.  His  actions  seemed  to  say,  **  I  have 
paid  my  fare,  let  those  who  came  without  cost  do  the 
work." 

Howard  and  Jones  used  the  wagon  and  the  others 
slept  close  by.  One  night  Shepard  had  been  baking 
until  late,  and  had  just  retired  to  rest  when  the  girls 
came  from  the  dance.  The  sister  who  had  troubled 
him  so  much  came  stumbling  along  in  the  dark  and 
kicked  some  sand  over  Shepard's  face  and  head.  It 
proved  too  much  for  him,  so  he  gave  the  girls  a  lecture 
on  the  duties  of  saints  and  of  the  sisters  in  particular. 
Annie  did  not  say  a  word,  but  the  pettish  sister  pitched 
into  him  and  called  him  most  everything,  and  ended 
by  saying :  ''  You  are  an  old  granny,  and  you  think 
we  should  never  dance  or  enjoy  ourselves.  I  don't 
see  what  you  wanted  to  come  to  Zion  for.  I  am  sure 
we  could  have  done  without  you." 

That  was  a  cruel  stab,  but  Shepard  took  it  bravely. 
He  had  spoken  his  mind,  so  did  not  reply.  Howard 
had  been  awakened  by  the  noise,  and  next  morning 


Young  Shepard.  143 

wanted  to  know  the  cause  of  it.  Brother  Boyle,  who 
lay  close  by,  had  heard  it  all  and  informed  him.  The 
g-irls  got  another  lecture  and  afterwards  treated  Shep- 
ard with  more  respect.  But  at  the  best  he  had  a  hard 
time  of  it.  He  was  anxious  to  reach  the  Brigham 
Young  contract,  for  he  was  getting  very  tired  of  his 
dog's  life,  so  he  said  to  Boyle :  "  I  thank  the  Lord  for 
all  the  blessings  I  have  received.  He  has  done  much 
for  me,  but  He  helps  those  most  who  help  themselves, 
so  I  feel  it  is  time  I  did  something  for  myself.  You 
have  always  advised  me  for  the  best,  and  I  expect  you 
to  say  when  J  shall  stop  and  go  to  work  on  the 
railroad." 

Brother  Boyle  replied :  "  Have  patience.  Brother 
Shepard,  and  I  will  let  you  know  when  we  reach 
Brother  Brigham's  contract." 

The  weeks  passed  on  and  Green  River  was  crossed. 
The  emigrants  were  told  they  were  in  Utah,  so  they 
began  to  talk  more  and  more  of  Zion.  Shepard  for- 
got his  troubles,  all  but  one,  and  that  one  was  the 
greatest  of  all  and  ever  present.  Annie  had  hardly 
spoken  to  him  since  the  misunderstanding  on  the  train. 
She  had  not  given  him  a  word  of  love,  not  a  word  of 
sympathy.  She  who  could  have  been  a  blessing  to  him 
in  his  troubles,  and  a  world  of  strength  and  comfort, 
had  been  almost  a  stranger.  Shepard  had  not  spoken 
a  word  of  love  to  her,  he  could  not  do  so.  She  had 
repulsed  him,  had  met  his  loving  look  with  a  cold 
stare  and  then  turned  away  her  proud  head.  To  his 
pitiful  good  morning  she  gave  no  answer,  and  now, 
though  his  heart  was  nearly  bursting  with  its  great 
love  for  her,  his  tongue  could  not  speak  a  word.  He 
could  not  tell  his  love  again.  He  could  only 
show  it  in  his  eyes,  voice  and  trembling  hands. 
Though  she  had  treated  him  most  shamefully,  he 
loved  her  still,  aye,  worshiped  her.  And  now  he 
was  waiting  for  a  word  of  love  from  her,  just  one 


144  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

little  word  and  they  would  be  their  old  selves  again. 
He  did  not  wish  her  to  refer  to  the  past,  nor  ask  for- 
giveness for  her  part  in  it,  for  he  had  never  had  a 
hard  thought  toward  her.  Though  he  had  been  deeply 
wounded  by  her  treatment  of  him,  it  had  not  touched 
his  pride.  He  was  the  same  kind  and  humble  lover 
in  his  heart  as  ever.  He  could  do  anything  for  her, 
yea,  die  for  her.  But  he  could  not  speak  a  word  of 
love,  his  tongue  seemed  to  be  tied  when  in  her  pres- 
ence. On  that  day  of  misunderstanding  she  seemed 
to  have  frozen  herself  and  he  could  not  break  the  ice. 
So  he  was  waiting  for  a  loving  word  from  her,  a  warm 
loving  word  to  drive  away  this  awful  chill  and  make 
him  the  happiest  man  amongst  all  of  those  struggling 
emigrants. 

It  was  a  calm,  still  night ;  all  of  the  little  company, 
except  Shepard  and  Annie,  had  retired  to  rest.  He  sat 
by  the  fire  watching  the  "  bake  kettle,"  and  she  sat  in 
the  wagon  by  the  kneading  board.  She  received  the 
loaves  when  he  brought  them  to  the  wagon  and  handed 
him  dough  for  more.  They  said  but  little,  but  the  few 
words  spoken  were  in  tones  kind,  gentle  and  consider- 
ate. Shepard  felt  the  sweetness  of  a  blessed  peace  in 
his  soul,  and  he  thought  Annie  felt  the  same.  One 
loving  word  would  unite  them  forever;  he  was  wait- 
ing for  that  word,  and  he  felt  she  was  waiting  for  it 
also.  He  could  not  speak  it,  he  did  not  know  what 
to  say,  and  he  was  dumb  and  waiting  for  her  to  speak. 
The  last  piece  of  dough  was  handed  to  him.  He  took 
it  to  the  fire  and  she  came  and  stood  near.  They  did 
not  speak  or  look  at  each  other,  but  stood  over  the 
fire  waiting  for  a  word  that  would  make  them  su- 
premely happy.  Which  would  speak  it,  which  would 
put  away  pride,  that  torturer  of  hearts,  or  rest  and 
peace?  It  would  not  be  Shepard,  for  he  had  none  to 
put  away,  but  in  place  of  pride  he  had  a  noble  man- 
hood that  would  not  beg  or  plead  for  the  love  that 


Young  Shepard.  145 

had  been  withdrawn  from  him,  though  it  was  dearer 
to  his  heart  than  all  the  world. 

She,  his  promised  wife,  she,  who  had  promised  to  be 
true  for  ever,  had  closed  her  heart  to  him  without 
cause.  She  had  by  a  look  said :  **  I  do  not  know  you, 
and  do  not  want  you."  And,  now,  his  manhood  stood 
between  them,  and  he  could  not  speak  to  her  of  love 
until  she,  with  eye  or  voice  said,  "  Come,  I  want  you." 

So  they  stood  by  the  camp  fire,  he  praying  with  all 
his  soul  for  a  loving  word  from  her,  for  a  blessed  word 
that  would  give  him  new  life  and  make  hmi  a  new 
man.  He  but  wished  to  know  she  loved  him  still,  and 
then  he  would  work  with  joy  to  make  her  a  beautiful 
home  in  Zion.  Loved  Zion,  and  loved  wife!  Oh!  he 
would  indeed  be  happy. 

At  last  she  spoke,  and  his  heart  leaped  with  joy  as 
her  sweet  voice  fell  upon  his  ear.  She  said  in  a  low, 
soft  tone :  "  Will  you  put  the  bread  away  when  it  is 
done  ?  "  He  looked  at  her,  she  was  gazing  into  the 
fire,  and  answered  gently :  "  I  will." 

She  slowly  turned  from  the  fire  without  glancing  at 
him  and  was  soon  lost  in  the  darkness.  She  had  gone 
to  rest  without  a  parting  *'  good  night."  Shepard  sat 
a  long  time  by  the  dying  fire,  and  kept  the  bread  on 
so  long  that  Mrs.  Howard  said  next  morning: 
'*  You've  baked  those  loaves  well,  my  lad." 

The  truth  is,  Shepard  had  forgotten  the  bread  for  a 
time,  and  if  there  had  been  more  fire  the  loaves  would 
have  been  ruined.  He  sat  thinking  of  his  love  and  her 
gentleness,  and  years  after  the  quiet  charm  of  that 
night  came  over  him.  It  was  the  sweetest  evening  he 
ever  spent  with  her,  and  years  afterwards  it  was  clear 
in  his  memory  when  other  happy  evenings  were  for- 
gotten. 

The  emigrants  wearily  traveled  on  and  at  last 
reached  the  first  Mormon  camp  of  railroaders.  Brother 
Goodman,  the  boss  of  the  camp,  came  down  to  the 
10 


146  An  Old  Dusty^s  Story.  ' 

train  for  men.  Brother  Boyle  then  said  to  Shepard: 
"  We  have  reached  a  camp  of  Latter  Day  Saints  and  I 
advise  you  to  stop  here  and  go  to  work  for  yourself. 
I  shall  go  on  to  Zion  and  start  in  business  in  Salt 
Lake  or  some  other  town.  When  your  work  is  done 
and  you  come  to  Zion  look  me  up,  for  I  shall  be  glad 
to  see  you." 

They  had  a  long  talk  that  night  about  the  gospel,  and 
on  retiring  to  rest  both  felt  strong  in  the  faith.  They 
were  up  early,  and  after  breakfast  Shepard's  sack  was 
gotten  from  the  wagon  and  he  was  ready  for  the  team 
that  was  to  take  him  to  work.  It  was  a  cold,  sharp 
morning  and  Shepard  stood  by  the  camp  fire  as  the 
train  began  to  move.  His  friends  shook  hands  for  the 
last  time  and  wished  him  ''  good  luck."  The  sister 
who  had  been  so  much  trouble  bade  him  good-by  and 
seemed  quite  sorrowful  at  parting.  Only  Annie  now 
remained  to  bid  him  good-by.  She  had  not  spoken  to 
him  this  morning,  but  she,  the  dearest  one  in  all  the 
world  to  him,  would  be  the  last  one  to  speak  to  him. 
Her  precious  hand  would  be  the  last  to  clasp  his  own 
with  her  soft  clinging  touch.  And,  oh,  would  not  her 
voice,  which  always  fell  like  music  upon  his  ears,  be 
the  sweetest  one  of  all  when  it  said,  "  Love,  all  is  well. 
I  am  yours,  and  shall  wait  for  you." 

He  stood  breathless,  as  wagon  after  wagon  and 
the  people  belonging  to  them  moved  slowly  along. 
Being  cold,  most  of  them  were  walking,  and  his 
friends  with  the  rest.  Annie  loitered  by  the  wagon. 
"  Ah,"  thought  Shepard,  "  she  wishes  to  speak  when 
we  are  alone." 

At  last  their  wagon  started  and  Annie  came  slowly, 
proudly  along.  She  held  her  head  like  a  queen  and 
looked  neither  to  right  nor  left.  Shepard's  heart  beat 
wildly,  and  then  nearly  stopped  as  she  passed  by  him 
without  a  word  or  a  glance.  He  seemed  turned  to 
stone,  but  his  soul  shone  from  his  hungry  eyes,  plead- 


Young  Shepard.  14? 

ing  in  pity  for  a  word  of  love  he  could  not  utter,  and 
he  stood  gazing  down  the  caiion  long  after  she  had 
vanished  from  his  sight. 

He  was  aroused  by  a  slap  on  the  shoulder  and  a 
voice  said :  "  Wake  up,  lad,  you'll  see  them  again." 
He  turned  and  saw  half  a  dozen  men  standing  around 
the  fire.  These  were  the  only  men  who  would  stop 
there,  the  rest  wanting  to  be  closer  to  **  Zion."  And 
though  these  men  had  traveled  thousands  of  miles  in 
the  same  company  and  were  also  brethren,  yet  they 
were  strangers  one  to  another.  They  were  a  sorrowful 
lot  of  men,  for  they  felt  they  were  alone  in  the  world. 
The  man  who  had  spoken  to  Shepard  was  some  years 
his  senior.  His  face  seemed  sad  but  there  was  a  merry 
twinkle  in  his  eyes.  Shepard  inquired  his  name  and  he 
replied :  "  Bobby  Brown,  my  lad." 

After  talking  a  little  Shepard  and  Brown  became 
partners  and  would  stay  together.  They  heard  the 
rattle  of  a  wagon,  and  looking  around  saw  a  young 
man  driving  over  the  sage  brush  in  true  Mormon 
style.  He  drove  around  them  and  stopped  his  horses 
and  cried :  '*  Pile  in  your  duds  and  come  along." 

It  was  quickly  done  and  then  they  followed  him  on  a 
smart  trot. 


14^  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 


CHAPTER  XL 

AT    WORK. 

When  the  emigrants  got  to  camp,  they  found  it 
consisted  of  a  long,  low  shanty  and  a  few  tents.  The 
shanty  was  the  dining-room  and  kitchen.  The  long 
tables,  set  with  tinware,  filled  Shepard  with  surprise, 
for  he  had  not  seen  the  like  before. 

He  asked  the  teamster  where  he  could  put  his  sack, 
and  the  young  saint  replied :  *'  Put  it  where  you 
damned  please." 

''  But,"  said  Shepard,  "  I  do  not  know  where  your 
sleeping  house  is." 

"  We  have  no  sleeping  house,  and  if  you  don't  want 
to  sleep  out,  make  a  dugout  like  the  rest  of  th'em." 

"  What  is  a  dugout  ?  "  asked  Shepard. 

"  It's  a  hole  in  the  ground.  Go  over  to  those  men 
and  they'll  tell  you  how  to  make  one." 

Shepard  went  over  to  the  men  pointed  out  by  the 
teamster,  and  was  followed  by  the  others.  They 
found  three  men  working  on  the  hillside.  They  also 
were  emigrants  and  were  making  dugouts  for  them- 
selves. 

Brown  said  to  them  with  a  twinkle  of  his  merry 
eyes,  "  Are  you  digging  your  graves,  lads  ?  " 

''  No,"  said  a  big  yokel,  "  we're  making  a  house." 

"  Call  it  a  cellar,"  said  Brown,  "  and  you  will  be 
nigher  correct." 

Upon  looking  around  they  found  several  dugouts 
partly  built  and  many  others  finished.     Taking  plans 


At  Work.  149 

from  them,  they  got  picks  and  shovels  and  went  to 
work.  Brown  was  inclined  to  complain  at  the  con- 
tractor for  not  having  accommodations  for  his  men. 
But  he  worked  hard  and  by  evening  they  had  the  holes 
dug  and  the  posts  put  up.  They  dug  a  narrow  trench 
so  they  would  have  no  steps  to  their  dugout.  Shepard 
went  to  Brother  Goodman  and  got  two  pairs  of 
blankets ;  these  added  to  Brown's  gave  them  a  fair 
supply  of  bedding.  All  the  poles  were  done,  and  as 
the  teamster  was  not  going  for  more,  Brown  and 
Shepard  concluded  to  go  to  work  next  morning. 

'*  Let  us  make  our  bed  in  the  hole,"  said  Shepard. 
"  It  will  be  warmer  down  there,  sheltered  from  the 
wind." 

**  All  right,"  said  Brown. 

It  got  dark  early,  as  there  were  heavy,  black  clouds 
around.  Being  tired  from  their  unusual  work  they 
did  not  go  down  to  the  dining-room,  where  the  men 
sat  telling  "  yarns  "  and  singing,  but  they  went  to 
bed,  feeling  well  over  the  thought  of  work  in  the 
morning.  Brown  awoke  Shepard  about  four  o'clock 
in  the  morning  and  told  him  it  was  raining.  When 
Shepard  felt  the  big  drops  fall  upon  his  face,  he  gave 
a  grunt  and  ducked  his  head  under  the  blankets.  The 
rain  soon  fell  in  torrents,  and  forming  a  rivulet  on  the 
hillside  it  came  rushing  down  to  the  dugout  and 
poured  into  it. 

Brown  sprang  up  shouting :  "  Let's  go  to  the  house. 
Let's  go  to  the  house." 

He  groped  for  his  shoes  and  hat,  the  rain  meanwhile 
beating  on  his  head  and  bare  legs.  He  finally  found 
them,  and  taking  his  clothes  in  his  arms  he  stumbled 
along  to  the  shanty.  But  he  did  not  reach  it  without 
trouble,  for  he  fell  into  two  unfinished  dugouts,  lost  a 
shoe  and  stocking,  and  when  he  got  under  cover  his 
calico  shirt  was  sticking  to  his  back  like  a  plaster. 

Shepard  rolled  the  blankets  around  him  and  stayed 


i5o  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

in  the  hole,  knowing  the  water  could  not  rise  high 
enough  to  drown  him.  When  the  gong  called  the  men 
up  at  six  o'clock,  Shepard  hastily  put  on  his  coat,  vest 
and  boots,  which  he  had  put  under  his  head  the  night 
before  for  a  pillow,  and  hurried  down  to  the  shanty 
and  found  about  a  dozen  men  there  shivering  with 
the  cold.  They  were  all  emigrants  and  wet  to  the 
skin,  for  the  water  came  through  the  roof  like  a  sieve. 

When  Shepard  entered.  Brown  exclaimed :  **  Eh, 
lad,  how  could  you  stay  in  that  hole  ?  " 

'*  [  was  warm  and  did  not  suffer,"  replied  Shepard. 

Brown  shook  his  head  ruefully,  and  said :  *'  Then  I 
got  the  worst  of  it,  for  I  fell  into  two  holes  and  lost  a 
shoe  and  stocking." 

Shepard  went  to  look  for  them  and  soon  returned 
with  them.  They  went  to  work  at  seven  o'clock  and 
were  given  picks,  shovels  and  wheelbarrows.  The 
work  was  hard  on  Shepard,  for  he  had  never  done  a 
day's  work  outside  of  a  mill  before.  They  finished 
their  dugout  on  the  following  Sunday,  and  having 
built  a  chimney  they  made  a  fire  and  were  very  com- 
fortable. There  were  about  sixty  men  in  camp,  two- 
thirds  of  them  emigrants,  the  rest  were  Mormons 
from  the  '*  valleys,"  but  there  was  not  a  happier  man 
among  them  than  Shepard.  It  is  true  he  had  been 
much  grieved  when  Annie  left  him  without  a  word, 
but  he  had  not  time  to  fret  over  it,  and  after  the  first 
day  or  two  he  became  himself  again.  Though  she  had 
passed  by  him  like  a  stranger,  he  had  no  thought  of 
blaming  her.  He  rather  blamed  himself  for  not  bid- 
ding her  good-by.  Still,  he  felt  all  would  be  well  in 
the  end.  He  had  not  a  doubt  about  her  being  con- 
stant. She  was  his  affianced  wife  and  would  wait  for 
him  and  be  true  to  her  promise. 

He  said  to  himself :  "  She  will  be  glad  to  see  me 
when  I  go  to  the  valley.  She  will  be  her  old  self  again 
and  her  joyous  laugh  will  pay  me  for  all  the  sorrow 


At  Work. 


1=^1 


of  the  past.  We  shall  go  through  the  house  of  the 
Lord  and  be  united  for  time  and  eternity.  We  shall 
receive  our  blessings,  and  Annie  will  be  the  queen  of 
my  home  and  make  it  heaven  with  love  and  devotion." 

As  the  days  and  weeks  went  by  thoughts  of  her 
sustained  him  through  toil  and  sickness,  filled  his 
days  with  happiness  and  his  dreams  with  bliss.  But 
there  was  one  dream  he -dreamt  over  and  over  for 
weeks,  and  awoke  him  in  fear.  At  such  times  he 
thought  he  was  in  England  and  could  not  obtain 
money  to  bring  him  back  to  Zion,  and  it  was  with 
great  joy  he  awoke  to  find  himself  still  in  Utah. 

After  the  first  week  Shepard's  health  began  to  fail. 
The  food  was  poor  and  did  not  agree  with  him.  Part 
of  the  time  there  was  nothing  but  bread,  bacon,  cof- 
fee and  molasses.  He  could  not  eat  bacon,  so  it  was 
bread  and  molasses  or  starve.  When  a  beef  came  he 
did  not  get  much,  for  not  liking  to  "  grab,"  it  was 
mostly  gone  before  he  got  any.  It  was  shameful  the 
way  some  of  the  saints  behaved.  They  rushed  to  the 
table  like  animals  rushing  to  their  feed,  or  like  pigs 
rushing  to  the  trough  when  they  heard  the  swill  poured 
into  it,  and  the  moment  the  blessing  was  asked  they 
grabbed  for  the  meat  like  starving  men.  For  some 
time  it  shocked  Shepard,  and  while  he  was  looking 
at  them  in  surprise  the  plates  were  emptied.  If  he 
sent  a  plate  for  a  little  meat  it  was  often  snatched 
from  the  waiter's  hand  before  it  reached  him.  It  was 
not  confined  to  the  young  men,  for  some  of  the  old 
men  were  the  worst.  There  was  one  old  man  in  par- 
ticular who  led  every  charge,  and  there  was  none 
quick  enough  to  head  him  off.  Some  of  them  tried 
to  do  so,  but  he  never  failed  to  get  there.  When  he 
was  called  upon  to  ask  a  blessing,  the  boys  thought 
they  had  him.  He  spoke  slowly  and  solemnly  until 
he  came  to  the  words,  "  We  ask  these  blessings  in  the 
name  of  Jesus."    These  he  rattled  off  at  a  "  two-forty 


152  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

gait  "  and  made  a  dive  for  the  meat  plate  without 
saying  amen.  He  more  than  once  dumped  all  the 
meat  on  his  plate  and  threw  the  empty  dish  on  the 
table.  Those  around  him  would  attack  his  plate  with 
exclamations  of  anger,  and  it  was  amusing  to  see  him 
fight  them  off  with  knife  and  fork.  If  a  low-spoken 
brother  asked  a  blessing  and  raised  his  voice  a  little  it 
was  often  mistaken  for  the  end  and  the  rest  of  it  was 
lost  in  the  clatter.  If  a  Dane  asked  a  blessing  and 
was  long-winded,  the  food  would  be  gone  by  the  time 
he  finished.  It  was  surprising  how  short  some  of 
them  made  the  blessing,  and  when  the  "  Amen  "  came 
after  three  or  four  words  it  was  laughable  to  see  the 
amazement  of  those  who  were  caught  napping.  Many 
of  them  never  bowed  their  heads  or  closed  their  eyes, 
but  looked  at  the  food  and  with  fork  pointing  at  the 
meat  dish  waited  for  the  charge.  Selfishness  and 
greed  ruled,  while  manners  and  decency  were  thrown 
away,  but  it  is  possible  that  many  of  them  never  had 
any  manners  to  throw  away.  The  quick  and  strong 
and  beastly  got  the  choicest  food,  and  in  the  struggle 
for  it  would  call  foul  names  and  threaten  blows.  And 
these  men  claimed  to  be  "  saints  of  the  most  high 
God,"  and  some  of  them  were  "  Elders  of  Israel." 

It  grieved  Shepard  to  see  his  brethren  act  so  un- 
manly, and  he  was  disgusted  at  them  in  spite  of  his 
desire  to  excuse  them  on  acount  of  their  low  breeding 
and  ignorance.  He  came  to  Zion  expecting  to  find  the 
Utah  saints  kind,  considerate,  and  helpful,  and  better 
than  any  people  he  had  ever  known.  And  it  disap- 
pointed him  very  much  to  see  many  of  them  taking 
great  pleasure  in  annoying  and  tormenting  the  emi- 
grants. The  first  month  Shepard  passed  in  camp  was 
the  happiest  of  his  life.  He  worked  hard,  had  poor 
food,  and  slept  in  a  dugout,  but  he  never  felt  so  well 
when  he  had  a  good  home  and  every  comfort.  Even 
Annie's  love  at  its  best  had  not  given  him  so  much* 


At  Work.  153 

sweet  peace  and  contentment.  In  after  years,  when 
fortune  smiled  upon  him  and  he  could  look  upon  his 
broad  acres  and  fine  stock,  they  could  not  give  him  the 
peace  and  contentment  he  felt  in  that  little  dugout  on 
the  hill. 

Shepard's  life,  from  the  time  he  left  the  ship  to 
coming  to  work  at  this  camp,  had  been  one  of  de- 
pendency and  humiliation,  and  it  had  been  .torture  to 
his  independent,  sensitive  soul.  The  food  he  now  ate 
was  not  doled  out  to  him,  and  he  had  the  satisfaction 
of  having  earned  it.  And  if  he  did  not  get  his  share  of 
the  best  it  was  because  he  did  not  wish  to  '*  act  the 
hog  "  like  many  of  them.  Shepard  felt  so  happy  that 
his  sickness  did  not  disturb  the  tranquillity  of  his  mind. 
He  was  afflicted  with  a  diarrhoea  and  seemed  to  be 
wasting  away  and  became  but  a  shadow  of  his  former 
self. 

The  "  gang  boss  "  told  him  he  would  die  if  he  did 
not  quit  work,  and  advised  him  to  go  to  the  valley 
and  pass  the  winter  with  his  friends.  Shepard  said 
to  the  boss  on  one  of  these  occasions :  "  Does  my  work 
not  suit  you  ?  " 

**  Most  certainly  it  does,"  said  the  boss,  "  or  we 
should  not  give  you  fifty  cents  per  day  more  than 
those  strong  men  over  there.  But  you  are  killing 
yourself  and  will  not  live  through  the  winter  if  you 
continue  at  this  work." 

"  I  am  happy  and  contented,"  said  Shepard,  "  and 
will  stay  as  long  as  I  can  do  the  work." 

The  boss  left  him,  saying :  "  You  are  foolish  if  you 
don't  go  to  your  friends." 

Shepard  had  resolved  never  to  go  to  his  friends 
until  he  could  do  something  for  them,  and  he  would 
rather  die  than  trouble  them  again. 

He  said  to  himself:  "  If  it  is  the  Lord's  will  to  take 
me,  I  can  go  feeling  happy,  for  Annie  will  know  I 
was  toiling  for  her." 


154  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

Shepard  got  worse,  nothing  he  could  get  would 
do  him  any  good  and  he  thought  he  would  be  com- 
pelled to  leave  his  work.  He  had  been  in  camp  over 
six  weeks  and  was  like  a  skeleton. 

It  was  Saturday  night  and  there  was  to  be  a  concert 
in  the  next  camp,  about  a  mile  below.  Brown  in- 
sisted that  Shepard  should  go  with  him,  so  much 
against  his  will  he  went  with  him.  They  went  down 
after  supper  and  took  a  seat  near  the  door.  For  some 
unaccountable  cause  Shepard  was  almost  consumed 
by  a  burning  thirst.  It  compelled  him,  in  spite  of 
himself,  to  drink  dipper  after  dipper  of  ice-cold  water. 
He  knew  it  was  wrong  to  drink  so  much,  but  he  could 
not  help  it,  and  he  felt  sure  it  would  lay  him  off  work 
sick.  They  returned  to  camp  about  eleven  o'clock, 
Shepard  feeling  very  sorry  he  had  left  his  dugout. 
It  was  a  relief  to  Shepard  next  morning,  instead  of 
being  sick,  to  find  he  felt  better  than  at  any  time  since 
he  came  to  camp,  and  from  that  day  he  gained  in 
strength  and  flesh  until  he  was  quite  well. 

A  bunch  of  beef  cattle  had  come  up  on  the  Satur- 
day evening,  and  this  Sunday  morning  a  number  of 
Utah  men  were  looki^ng  at  them.  Shepard  joined 
the  party  as  one  of  the  men  said :  "  I  gave  that  steer 
to  the  church  last  spring,  to  help  emigrate  the  poor 
saints,  and  here  it  is  sold  to  our  boss  for  cash  and 
the  church  has  not  helped  out  one  person.  It  is  my 
opinion  they  never  intended  to  help  the  poor  saints 
out.  I  have  heard  they  could  not  turn  the  grain  and 
cattle  into  cash,  but  I  know  it  to  be  untrue.  I  now 
believe  that  story  about  Young  Briggy  getting 
into  trouble  and  the  old  man  taking  that  emigration 
dodge  to  raise  money  to  get  him  out  of  it,  to  be 
true." 

Another  Utah  man  spoke  and  exclaimed  with  much 
feeling:  "If  that  is  so,  I'll  be  damned  if  they  ever 
get  another  cent  out  of  me/' 


At  Work.  155 

Then  another  of  them  said :  "  You  can  bet  it  is  true, 
and  the  old  man  is  just  slick  enough  to  do  it." 

Shepard  returned  to  his  dugout,  startled  by  these 
men  talking  so  lightly  of  the  prophet  he  and  the  other 
emigrants  were  ready  to  worship  next  to  God  him- 
self. 

He  said  to  himself :  *'  Surely  there  is  something 
wrong,  or  these  men  would  not  talk  so." 

Then  it  flashed  upon  his  mind  that  the  devil  was 
tempting  him  again,  and  he  mentally  ejaculated :  "  It 
will  never  do  to  speak  evil  about  those  above  us." 

He  put  the  subject  from  his  mind,  but  it  was  not  for 
long,  for  it  came  back  in  spite  of  his  strongest  efforts 
to  keep  it  away,  for  there  were  many  things  that  gave 
him  food  for  thought.  There  was  a  Gentile  camp 
about  three  miles  away,  and  some  of  the  emigrants 
had  learned  that  the  Gentile  boss  paid  his  men  fifty 
cents  more  per  day  than  the  Mormon  camps  paid,  and 
gave  better  food  and  did  not  work  his  men  so  hard. 
Several  of  the  Mormon  emigrants  left  the  camp  and 
went  to  work  for  the  Gentiles.  When  Bishop  Good- 
man heard  of  it  he  got  up  in  the  next  Sunday  meet- 
ing, and  his  remarks  were  very  severe  on  the  emi- 
grants. 

He  said  amongst  other  things :  "  I  find  some  of  you 
have  become  dissatisfied  with  the  wages  we  pay,  and 
complain  about  the  board  and  the  way  you  are  worked. 
And  some  of  you  are  worrying  about  the  days  being 
long,  and  are  constantly  watching  and  wishing  for 
sundown.  Now,  I  want  you,  one  and  all,  to  under- 
stand you  have  no  business  to  watch  for  the  sun  to  go 
down.  You  are  here  to  do  the  will  of  the  Lord  and 
build  up  Zion,  and  whether  you  run  a  wheelbarrow, 
lift  a  shovel,  or  swing  a  pick,  you  want  to  do  it  with 
all  your  might,  and  think  of  nothing  but  your  work 
until  the  foreman  calls  time  to  quit.  Some  of  you  men 
who  are  complaining  about  food,  never  lived  so  well 


156  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

before.  Many  of  you  would  not  taste  meat  more 
than  once  a  week  and  hardly  then.  Now  you  get  it 
every  meal,  and  are  so  greedy  that  you  would  take 
it  all  and  eat  nothing  else.  Those  saints  who  think 
more  of  half  a  dollar  a  day  than  they  do  of  the  king- 
dom of  God,  who  are  everlastingly  complaining  of  the 
priesthood,  are  on  the  road  to  apostasy,  and  unless 
they  repent  they  will  be  damned  and  go  to  hell.  Those 
men  who  have  left  us  and  gone  to  work  for  the  Gen- 
tile will  not  be  forgotten,  but  when  they  go  on  to  Zion 
they  will  be  looked  upon  as  black  sheep.  I  tell  you 
it  will  be  laid  up  against  them  and  they  had  better  be 
careful  what  they  say  and  do." 

After  meeting,  and  when  they  were  seated  in  their 
dugout,  Shepard  asked  Brown  what  he  thought  of 
the  sermon,  for  he  had  an  idea  it  did  not  please  him, 
for  Brown  could  hold  his  own  at  the  table  with  most 
of  them. 

Brown  answered  with  some  feeling :  ''  It's  damned 
nonsense  lad !  damned  nonsense !  I  would  like  to 
know  what  sensible  man  would  not  be  glad  to  see 
the  sun  go  down  after  working  hard  all  day?  We 
work  too  hard,  and  are  a  set  of  damned  fools." 

Shepard  saw  that  Brown  was  hit,  so  said  no  more. 
He  knew  Brown  was  right  in  regard  to  the  working, 
for  the  emigrants  ran  one  another  shamefully. 
Brother  John  W.  had  been  out  to  see  them,  and  before 
he  came  up  the  bosses  told  the  men  to  do  their  best. 
As  he  sat  upon  his  horse  watching  these  fools  run,  he 
must  have  thrilled  with  satisfaction  at  sight  of  the 
willing  slaves.  For  some  days  after  Goodman's  ser- 
mon there  was  a  low  muttering  of  dissatisfaction. 
Shepard  said  nothing,  but  in  his  heart  he  felt  a  rebel- 
lion against  the  tyranny  of  the  speaker  that  he  could 
not  overcome.  He  believed  Mormonism  was  the  work 
of  God,  and  he  thought  its  teachers  would  be  filled 
with  the  love  of  God.    He  expected  the  Bishop  would 


At  Work.  157 

be  a  father  to  the  emigrant,  and  like  a  kind  and 
thoughtful  father  bear  with  their  weakness  and  igno- 
rance. He  did  not  wish  to  leave  a  Mormon  camp  for 
any  wages  the  Gentiles  would  give  him,  still  he  saw 
no  harm  in  a  man  leaving  to  better  himself,  and  he 
could  not  understand  why  the  Bishop  should  feel  so 
bitter  about  it.  **  Was  not  a  man  free  to  work  where 
he  could  get  the  best  wages?  Must  he  be  led  by  the 
Bishop  and  have  no  choice  of  his  own  ?  "  Shepard 
asked  himself  these  questions,  and  they  troubled  him, 
for  this  was  not  Mormonism  as  he  understood.  He 
thought  it  was  all  love  and  liberty,  but  the  words  and 
tone  of  Bishop  Goodman  implied  the  opposite.  Hence- 
forth, in  Shepard's  eyes,  this  Bishop  lost  his  dignity. 
Shortly  after  this,  Shepard  sold  his  overcoat  to  the 
teamster  that  brought  him  to  camp.  The  man  had 
wanted  it  for  a  long  time,  and  though  he  did  not  want 
to  sell  it  he  let  it  go  to  get  rid  of  him. 

When  the  man  got  the  coat  on  his  form  he  said: 
"  I  have  no  money  now,  but  will  pay  you  in  a  few  days 
when  I  get  some  from  the  Bishop." 

Shepard  looked  at  the  man  in  surprise,  not  that  he 
doubted  his  honesty,  but  it  was  a  strange  thing  to  him 
for  a  man  to  tease  for  weeks  to  get  the  coat  and  then 
have  no  money  to  pay  for  it.  The  man  noticing  his 
lu-siiatinn,  said:  **  Come  over  to  the  office  and  I'll  fix 
it  with  r.rniher  Goodman." 

Shci)ard  followed  him  over  and  he  said :  **  Bishop, 
I  have  just  bought  an  overcoat  from  Brother  Shepard, 
so  charge  me  with  ten  dollars  and  pay  to  him." 

•*  All  right."  said  the  Bishop.  "  Anything  you  want 
to  get  now,  Brother  Shepard?" 

**  I  will  take  the  money,"  answered  Shepard. 

"  I  have  T!o  money  on  hand  now,  but  expect  some  in 
a  few  days  and  will  pay  you  when  it  comes." 

Shepard  went  back  to  his  dugout  quite  satisfied. 
A  few  days  afterward  the  teamster  went  home,  and 


158  An  Old  Dusty 's  Story. 

the  following  day  one  of  the  men  asked  Shepard  if 
he  had  been  paid  for  his  coat. 

To  Shepard's  answer  of,  ''  No,  not  yet,"  he  ex- 
claimed :  ''  You  damned  greenhorn,  vou  will  never  get 
it." 

The  Utah  Mormons  present  laughed,  and  Shepard 
felt  quite  badly.  Not  that  he  cared  much  for  the  loss 
of  the  coat,  but  to  be  called  a  '*  damned  greenhorn  " 
after  trusting  a  brother,  hurt  him  greatly.  He  thought 
over  the  words  for  days  and  could  not  get  rid  of  it. 

He  asked  himself:  ''Why  am  I  a  greenhorn?  Will 
not  the  Bishop  pay  me?  Is  he  not  honest?  Is  my 
Utah  brother  not  honest?  If  they  are,  why  should 
those  Utah  saints  call  me  a  greenhorn?  If  they  are 
dishonest,  it  is  not  kind  or  brotherly  for  them  to  call 
names  and  laugh  at  my  loss.  I  cannot  believe  the 
Bishop  will  cheat,  and  those  men  are  coarse  and  heart- 
less and  cannot  be  true  saints." 

Shepard  called  upon  the  Bishop  and  was  told  that 
no  money  had  come  yet.  At  the  end  of  the  month, 
he  heard  some  money  had  come,  so  he  went  to  the 
Bishop  again. 

When  he  entered  the  office  the  Bishop  said:  "He 
has  not  sent  you  the  ten  dollars  yet,  Brother  Shepard." 

Shepard  looked  at  the  Bishop  for  a  moment  and 
then  said :  "  I  was  to  get  the  money  from  you." 

"  And  so  you  will  when  the  teamster  sends  it.  You 
see  he  got  a  time  check  when  he  left  for  all  that  was 
due  him  and  he  cashed  it  in  Salt  Lake,  so  I  cannot 
pay  you  until  he  sends  the  money." 

Shepard  did  not  understand  that  kind  of  business, 
so  he  went  back  to  work  and  waited.  A  few  days 
later  Shepard  heard  that  the  Bishop  was  going  away 
with  most  of  the  men  to  start  a  new  camp  somewhere 
on  the  river.  Shepard  called  on  the  Bishop  before 
he  left  to  see  about  the  money,  and  got  the  same 
answer :  "  It  has  not  come  yet." 


At  Work.  159 

Shepard  remained  at  the  old  camp  to  help  finish  the 
work  and  then  went  down  to  the  others.  He  had  been 
at  work  about  three  months  and  had  not  been  paid  a 
doKar.  So  he  went  to  the  office  for  a  settlement,  the 
evening-  before  they  left  camp.  And  the  clerk  said 
with  a  smile :  '*  I  can  only  give  you  a  time  check.  The 
railroad  company  are  very  slow  to  pay  for  the  work 
and  we  are  waiting  for  money  from  them." 

Shepard  replied :  *'  I  want  the  money,  a  check  is  no 
use  to  me.  As  you  know,  we  move  to-morrow,  and 
I  shall  need  some  money  on  the  way  down,  for  I  have 
not  a  cent." 

After  some  further  talk,  the  clerk  gave  Shepard  ten 
dollars  in  money  and  a  due-bill  for  the  balance.  And 
that  was  the  only  money  Shepard  ever  got  for  those 
months  of  toil.  A  year  after  he  got  store  pay  for  his 
due  bill,  but  it  did  him  little  good  for  he  gave  most  of 
it  away.  He  had  to  take  it  on  a  store  that  was  getting 
rid  of  some  old  stock  that  was  of  little  good  to  any 
one. 

Brown  looked  blue  when  Shepard  told  him  he  could 
not  get  paid  up  and  had  only  got  ten  dollars  in  money, 
and  said :  **  I  must  have  more  money  than  that." 

He  went  to  the  office  and  soon  came  back  smiling 
and  said :  "  You  don't  know  how  to  do  it,  lad." 

"  You  don't  mean  to  say  they  have  settled  with 
you !  "  exclaimed  Shepard  in  surprise. 

"  No,  not  so  good  as  that,  but  I  got  twenty-five  dol- 
lars," and  Brown  chuckled  at  what  he  thought  was 
his  smartness.  Shepard  felt  hurt  at  the  injustice,  but 
he  did  not  worry,  for  ten  dollars  would  be  enough  for 
the  present,  and  had  he  not  a  due  bill  in  his  pocket  for 
the  rest? 

As  they  tramped  along  ahead  of  the  wagon  next 
day,  Brown  told  the  boys  how  he  got  twenty-five  dol- 
lars from  the  clerk  and  Shepard  only  ten  dollars. 


i6o  An  Old  Dusty 's  Story. 

One  of  them  said :  "  Smith  did  better  than  that,  for 
he  got  fifty  dollars." 

Brown  pricked  up  his  ears  and  said  as  his  eyes 
bulged  out :  ''  How  the  devil  was  that  ?  " 

''  Oh,"  replied  the  teamster,  "  he  made  a  row  and 
wouldn't  take  less." 

Brown  exclaimed  in  a  passion :  "  Damn  him !  I'd 
have  punched  his  head  for  fifty  dollars." 

Shepard  laughed,  and  then  thought  seriously  of  the 
matter.  It  seemed  to  him  that  the  quiet  and  refined 
were  taken  advantage  of  in  this  "  blessed  Zion  '* 
that  he  had  praised  so  much,  and  the  noisy,  coarse  and 
vulgar  were  treated  best. 

When  Shepard  reached  the  new  camp  he  was  in- 
formed  that  he  was  only  about  seventy  miles  from  Salt 
Lake  City.  Here  were  several  men  who  crossed  the 
plains  with  him,  so  he  inquired  about  Howard,  and 
learned  he  was  living  in  Salt  Lake  in  great  poverty. 
Annie  was  not  with  them,  for  she  had  gone  north  to 
keep  house  for  an  old  friend  of  her  father. 

"Where  is  Brother  Boyle?"  asked  Shepard. 

''  Brother  Boyle,"  repeated  the  man.  "  Did  you  not 
hear  about  him  ?  " 

"  I  have  not  heard  a  word  about  him  since  we 
parted,"  replied  Shepard. 

''  Have  you  not  ?  Why,  Brother  Boyle  has  been 
dead  and  buried  for  nearly  two  months. 

Shepard  was  shocked  at  the  statement,  and  said  with 
a  quiver  in  his  voice :  "  Come,  my  good  brother,  sit 
down  with  me  and  tell  me  all  about  it." 

There  was  not  much  to  tell.  When  he  reached  Salt 
Lake,  Brother  Boyle  had  gotten  a  situation  in  a  store 
and  had  a  fair  prospect  of  getting  a  share  in  the  busi- 
ness. He  was  doing-  well  but  was  restless  and  he  began 
to  inquire  into  Mormonism  as  it  was  practised  in 
Utah.  He  soon  became  convinced  it  was  a  fraud 
and  left  the  church,  and  in  his  bitterness  and  disap- 


At  Work.  i6i 

pointment  said  all  religion  was  false.  He  worried  so 
much  about  it  that  he  brought  on  brain  fever,  and  he 
died  raving  about  his  wife  and  home. 

Shepard  was  deeply  grieved,  for  of  all  his  friends 
Brother  Boyle  was  the  dearest,  and  his  counsel  was 
the  wisest  and  best.  Shepard  thought  much  of  Boyle's 
leaving  the  church  and  would  have  given  anything  to 
have  seen  him  before  his  death.  He  was  much  wor- 
ried, but  he  clung  to  the  gospel  and  assured  himself 
that  it  was  true  if  all  else  was  false. 

About  six  weeks  after  this  Shepard  was  handed  a 
note  by  a  brother]  ust  out  from  Salt  Lake.  He  opened 
it  and  found  it  was  from  Howard,  who  said  he  "  was 
out  of  work  and  badly  off,  and  would  Brother  Shep- 
ard please  send  him  a  little  money."  When  Shepard 
had  read  the  note  the  man  who  brought  it  asked, 
**  Does  Howard  want  money  ?  " 

**  Yes,"  said  Shepard. 

"  Then  take  my  advice  and  don't  send  any.  Let 
him  go  to  work  like  the  rest  of  us  and  earn  his  money. 
You  are  in  a  strange  country  and  don't  know  what  you 
may  need,  so  take  care  of  your  money  and  don't  give  it 
to  any  one." 

Shepard  listened  to  this  good  advice,  but  did  not 
heed  it,  for  that  evening  he  went  to  the  office  and  asked 
for  the  money  due  him.  The  clerk  wanted  to  put  him 
off  with  ten  dollars,  but  Shepard  declared  he  would 
have  fifty  dollars  or  take  his  time  and  go  to  Salt  Lake 
and  draw  all  his  money.  He  finally  left  with  forty  dol- 
lars, as  the  clerk  swore  it  was  every  cent  he  had  in 
the  office.  Shepard  sent  the  money  to  Howard  next 
day,  and  rejoiced  that  he  was  able  to  help  him. 

Shepard  worked  until  spring  and  then  went  down 
to  Salt  Lake.  He  found  Howard  at  home  but  doing 
no  steady  work,  and  they  were  very  poor.  Mrs.  How- 
ard had  just  emptied  the  flour  sack  and  did  not  know 
where  the  next  was  to  come  from.  They  insisted  that 
II 


i62  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

Shepard  should  stop  with  them  while  in  Salt  Lake. 
After  a  chat  about  things  he  went  up  town  and  got 
flour  and  a  bill  of  groceries  and  ordered  them  taken  to 
Howard's.  Then  he  went  to  the  butcher  shop  and 
got  a  large  piece  of  beef  and  carried  it  home  feeling 
as  proud  as  a  king.  Shepard  stayed  at  Howard's 
three  days  and  they  made  much  of  him.  He  had  a 
long  talk  with  Howard  about  Annie  and  asked  him 
if  he  had  any  objection  to  her  becoming  his  wife. 

Howard  answered :  "  No,  my  dear  boy,  no.  I  would 
rather  have  you  for  a  son  than  any  one  I  know. 
I  will  write  to  Annie  and  bid  her  come  home.  When 
will  you  be  in  again  ?  " 

"  I  shall  come  to  Salt  Lake  again  in  about  three 
months.  By  that  time  I  shall  have  enough  money  to 
make  her  comfortable  until  I  can  get  steady  employ- 
ment. I  will  write  to  Annie,  and  when  I  hear  from 
her  I  will  send  her  the  money  to  prepare  everything." 

A  talk  about  Utah  and  the  **  gospel  "  showed  How- 
ard was  much  dissatisfied  with  many  things. 

Shepard  asked :  "  What  was  the  direct  cause  of 
Brother  Boyle's  death  ?  " 

"  Brain  fever,"  replied  Howard.  "  After  he  left 
the  church  he  worried  a  deal  about  his  wife  and  fam- 
ily. He  seemed  to  think  he  had  done  his  wife  a  great 
wrong.  He  could  not  rest  night  or  day,  and  when  he 
was  taken  down  sick  he  went  off  in  a  short  time." 

"  Poor  Brother  Boyle,"  said  Shepard.  "  He  has 
been  murdered  by  Mormon  lies." 

Shepard  left  Howard's  next  day  and  went  West. 
As  soon  as  he  was  settled  in  the  new  camp  he  wrote 
Annie  a  tender  little  note,  telling  her  she  was  all  the 
world  to  him  still,  and  he  was  ready  to  marry  her 
now  if  she  would  name  the  day. 

When  the  letter  was  gone  he  counted  the  passing 
days  with  joy  and  said  to  himself:  ''Does  not  every 
day  bring  her  answer  nearer  to  me." 


At  Work.  163 

The  days  passed  into  weeks,  and  the  weeks  into 
months,  but  no  letter  came  from  Annie  or  Howard. 
The  road  was  finished,  the  last  spike  driven,  and 
then  Shepard  started  for  Salt  Lake.  He  learned  at 
Ogden  that  Howard  had  gone  up  the  road  to  work  on 
one  of  the  sections  and  had  taken  his  family  with  him. 

Shepard  took  the  next  train  East  to  where  Howard 
was  working. 

Howard  exclaimed,  when  Shepard  reached  the 
house :  "  Glad  to  see  you,  my  boy.  Where  have  you 
been  all  this  time?  " 

Shepard  replied :  *'  Steady  at  work,  and  waiting  for 
a  letter  from  you  or  Annie.'' 

"  What !  Did  you  not  get  a  letter  from  me  ?  "  said 
Howard. 

"  No,  I  did  not." 

"Nor  from  Annie,  either?"  exclaimed  Howard. 

"  No,"  replied  Shepard,  then  his  heart  bounded  with 
joy  as  he  cried : 

"  Is  Annie  here?  " 

Howard  looked  serious  as  he  answered :  "  No,  she 
has  not  come  yet  and  I  have  not  heard  from  her.  I 
thought,  perhaps,  she  had  written  to  you,  and  you 
young  folks  had  arranged  to  give  us  a  surprise." 

Shepard  thought  to  leave  next  day,  but  Mrs.  How- 
ard would  not  hear  of  it,  and  said :  "  You  must  stay 
a  week  at  the  least.  And  don't  look  so  sorrowful,  for 
it  will  be  all  right  when  Annie  comes  down." 

Howard  also  said :  "  She  may  be  on  her  way  now, 
so  cheer  up,  my  boy." 

Shepard  stayed  the  week  and  became  more  sorrow- 
ful and  dejected  each  day.  Near  the  end  of  the  week 
he  felt  he  had  sustained  some  great  loss  and  was 
racked  with  sighs  that  were  most  pitiful  to  hear. 

Mrs.  Howard  said :  "  Don't  sigh  so,  lad,  you  will 
hurt  yourself.  There  is  no  need  to  go  on  like  this. 
Annie  will  come  down  yet  and  all  will  be  well.    But  if 


i64  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

she  does  not  come  I  wouldn't  go  on  like  this.  You 
take  it  too  seriously  and  there's  no  need  of  it." 

Shepard  had  a  bad  attack  of  lovesickness.  He  could 
not  eat  or  sleep  and  wandered  around  Hke  a  lost  soul. 
On  the  morning  of  his  departure,  Howard  walked 
with  him  to  the  depot,  and  while  waiting  for  the  train 
spoke  words  of  hope  and  cheer.  They  had  a  good 
eflfect  upon  Shepard's  mind,  for  as  the  train  thundered 
down  the  cafion,  past  "  one  thousand  mile  tree  "  and 
the  devil's  slide,  and  still  on  and  down  to  the  devil's 
gate,  his  spirits  rose  again  and  he  threw  off  the  dread- 
ful nightmare. 

At  Ogden  he  met  a  friend  by  the  name  of  Dalton, 
who  informed  him  that  he  was  working  on  the  section 
above.  Shepard  went  home  with  his  friend  and  stayed 
several  days,  helping  him.  Dalton  offered  steady 
work  to  Shepard,  who  promised  to  take  it  after  he 
had  been  to  Salt  Lake  to  cash  his  checks. 

"  I  have  to  go  in  for  some  supplies,"  said  Dalton, 
"  so  I  will  start  to-morrow  and  you  can  ride  with 
me. 

"  Can  I  go  too,"  said  Bessie,  Dalton's  sixteen-year- 
old  daughter. 

"  No,  my  dear,  not  this  time,"  replied  Dalton. 

"  Well,  papa,  don't  let  Mr.  Shepard  run  away,  but 
see  that  he  comes  back  again." 

As  she  spoke  she  cast  a  sweet  glance  from  her  lovely 
brown  eyes  at  Shepard  but  he  did  not  notice  it.  He, 
poor  fellow,  had  only  eyes  for  one  woman,  and  did 
not  know  this  girl  was  sweeter  than  a  dozen  Annies. 

Next  day  as  they  rode  along  under  the  bright  sun, 
Shepard  told  Dalton  how  he  had  been  troubled  about 
Annie  not  writing. 

"  But,"  said  he,  '*  I  was  foolish,  for  Annie  is  true 
and  good." 

'*  l3o  you  remember  what  I  told  you  in  the  winter?  " 
gaid  Dalton. 


At  Work.  165 

"When  we  were  talking  about  Annie?"  asked 
Shepard. 

**  Yes,  when  I  told  you,  you  ought  to  be  looking 
after  her,  or  the  old  chap  would  get  away  with  her. 
Now,  I  don't  wish  to  discourage  you,  but  I  think  he 
has  done  it." 

''What  makes  you  think  so?" 

"  Those  letters  you  say  Annie  and  Howard  wrote  to 
you,  but  you  never  received.  One  of  them  might  be 
lost  or  gone  astray,  but  it  isn't  likely  both  would." 

Shepard  smiled  as  he  had  done  before ;  he  had  put 
all  doubt  away  now  and  felt  that  Annie  would  be 
true. 

They  had  been  in  Salt  Lake  two  days  and  would 
leave  next  morning.  Shepard  was  w*alking  about  to 
pass  away  the  afternoon,  when  he  met  Ben  Jones. 
They  Were  pleased  to  meet  and  Shepard  went  with 
Ben  to  see  the  folks.  Brother  and  Sister  Jones  were 
away  from  home,  but  Miss  Jones  was  delighted  to  see 
Shepard  and  would  have  him  stay  to  tea. 

As  she  rolled  the  biscuit  Miss  Jones  said :  "  You 
ought  to  have  been  in  two  weeks  ago,  for  we  had  such 
a  jolly  time." 

"Did  you.     What  was  it  about?"  asked  Shepard. 

"  Oh.  you  know  Annie  Howard  was  in  and  got 
married." 

Shepard  felt  a  great  pain  shoot  through  his  heart, 
and  he  turned  deadly  sick,  the  room  seemed  to  go 
round  and  round,  and  though  he  tried  to  speak  he 
could  not  utter  a  word. 

The  girl,  getting  no  answer,  continued :  "  They 
stopped  with  us  two  nights  and  we  had  lots  of  fun." 

Here  the  g'irl  was  interrupted  by  Ben,  who  ex- 
claimed :  "  And  they  carried  him  to  bed  to  her.  He  is 
such  a  little  fellow,  not  as  big  as  me,  and  he  is  all 
twisted  up  and  looks  as  old  as  grandpa." 

"  You  shut  up/'  said  the  girl.    "  He  isn't  as  old  as 


i66  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

grandpa.  He  is  only  about  forty,  for  I  heard  mother 
say  so." 

''  He  looks  dry  enough  to  be  eighty,"  replied  Ben. 

"  What  does  that  matter  ? "  answered  the  girl, 
*'  Annie  loves  him  and  that's  everything." 

Shepard  saw  he  must  say  something,  so  asked  in  a 
husky  voice  :  '*  I-s  he  rich  ?  " 

''  No,"  answered  Ben,  "  he's  only  got  a  city  lot  and 
a  little  log  house." 

"  But  he  works  in  a  store,"  put  in  the  girl. 

"  I  know  he  does,"  said  Ben,  "  but  he  only  just 
makes  a  living." 

**  You  don't  know  anything  about  it." 

"  Yes,  I  do.     I  heard  mother  say  so." 

Shepard  told  them  not  to  quarrel  over  it,  for  it  did 
not  matter,  and  then  walked  out  ta  get  a  little  fresh 
air. 

And  this  was  the  end  of  all  his  dreams.  This  love 
of  his,  this  woman  he  worshiped  next  to  his  God, 
had  married  a  man  like  that.  Shepard  groaned  and 
then  cried :  "  Oh,  God,  I  did  not  think  she  could  be 
untrue  or  false."  He  felt  faint  and  s'ick,  and  the  bright 
lovely  evening  seemed  gray  and  dull. 

Ben  came  out  to  him  and  seeing  his  white  face,  said : 
"  What  is  the  matter,  are  you  ill  ?  " 

*'  Your  room  is  close  and  hot  and  has  given  me  a 
headache,"  replied  Shepard. 

But  much  greater  than  any  headache-  was  the  ache 
at  his  heart.  Miss  Jones  called  them  to  supper,  and  it 
was  with  difficulty  that  Shepard  forced  himself  to  eat 
a  little. 

"  Did  Brother  Howard  know  Annie  was  going  to 
be  married  ?  "  asked  Shepard  at  length. 

''  Yes,  he  gave  his  consent,"  answered  the  girl.  , 

"  Why  did  he  not  come  down  to  the  wedding  ?  " 

''  Annie  said  her  father  could  not  afford  to  come 
down  at  present." 


At  Work.  167 

Shepard  was  silent  for  some  time  and  then  said: 

"  Are  you  sure  Brother  Howard  knew  Annie  was 
going  to  be  married  at  that  time?  " 

"  Of  course  I  am.  Annie  told  me  so.  She  had  his 
consent  to  marry  Brother  Tatsby  months  ago,  and 
when  they  left  home  they  wrote  to  Brother  Howard  to 
meet  them  here  if  he  could  possibly  come  down." 

Shepard  stayed  an  hour  after  supper,  asking  ques- 
tions about  Annie  and  her  husband.  He  could  not 
discover  anything  to  indicate  that  Annie  loved  Tatsby. 
Their  conduct  had  been  foolish  and  like  that  of  igno- 
rant children  who  had  given  themselves  to  enjoy  the 
fun.  There  had  been  much  merriment  over  the  **  lit- 
tle fellow  "  and  Annie  had  enjoyed  it  as  much  as  any 
one.  Shepard  was  inclined  to  think  Tatsby  was  drunk 
when  they  put  him  to  bed  to  Annie,  but  Ben  said  he 
was  not  but  that  they  only  carried  him  to  bed  because 
he  was  so  little.  Annie  had  not  once  mentioned  Shep- 
ard, and  it  appeared  she  had  dropped  him  from  her 
memory  entirely. 

He  slowly  walked  back  to  where  Dalton  was  camped, 
feeling  that  the  light  and  life  had  been  crushed  out 
of  him  forever.  Yet,  he  felt  no  resentment  toward 
Annie,  but  rather  a  strange  pity  for  her  and  himself. 
He  could  not  understand  how  his  proud  Annie  could 
act  as  stated,  he  would  have  thought  her  the  last 
woman  in  the  world  to  have  allowed  or  taken  any  part 
in  such  foolishness.  And,  yet,  he  did  not  doubt  Miss 
Jones'  statement,  for  he  was  sure  she  loved  Annie  too 
well  to  tell  an  untruth  about  her.  This  marriage 
seemed  to  Shepard  such  a  childish  affair.  Tatsby 
had  been  so  clownish  and  Annie  seemed  to  have  been 
a  worthy  pantaloon.  To  Shepard's  exalted  ideas  of 
marriage  such  condiu  t  was  extremely  disgusting.  But 
he  could  not  yet  feel  the  disgust  toward  Annie  that 
would  come  later,  for  he  was  now  too  much  broken 
up  to  see  or  feel  anything  clearly. 


i68  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

They  left  next  morning,  and  when  they  were  fairly 
on  the  way,  Dalton,  who  had  noticed  Shepard's  dejec- 
tion since  early  morning,  said :  "  What  is  wrong  with 
you  to-day  ?  " 

Shepard  only  said  in  answer :  ''  Annie  is  married." 

''  The  devil  take  her !  "  exclaimed  Dalton ;  *'  now, 
Shepard,  I  am  real  sorry  for  you  in  this  disappoint- 
ment and  will  do  anything*  in  my  power  to  make  it 
lighter  for  you,  but  don't  take  it  so  hard,  for  you  have 
not  lost  so  much  as  you  think.  When  did  she  marry 
and  who  is  the  man  ?  " 

"  She  married  Mr.  Tatsby,  her  father's  old  friend, 
and  the  wedding  took  place  about  two  weeks 
ago." 

"  Well,  my  boy,"  said  Dalton,  **  don't  worry  about  it. 
She  is  not  worthy  of  you  and  you  are  better  without  a 
wife  of  that  kind.  She  has  not  got  heart  enough  for 
you,  and  she  has  too  much  cold  pride  and  is  too  nar- 
row-minded for  you.  Shepard,  you  are  inclined  to 
worship  woman,  and  you  need  a  wife  worthy  of  your 
worship.  You  would  be  disappointed  in  Annie  in 
many  ways.  She  is  too  intolerant  and  bigoted  to  suit 
you.  I  have  often  noticed  her  look  of  contempt  for 
those  who  differed  from  her,  and  I  have  seen  her  toss 
her  proud  head  and  walk  away  from  them  like  a 
queen.  To  her  kind  it  might  seem  very  stately,  but 
nevertheless  it  was  very  small  and  she  was  the  con- 
temptible one.  You  are  not  a  bit  alike,  and  how  you 
can  love  and  worship  her  is  one  of  those  things  no 
one  can  understand.  Annie's  heart  is  too  cold  to  re- 
turn a  love  like  yours,  and  I  think  is  too  cold  to  love 
Tatsby.  I  think  there  was  some  kind  of  a  bargain 
between  Howard  and  Tatsby.  I  think  Tatsby 
helped  Howard  emigrate,  and  when  Annie  was  sent 
to  keep  house  for  Tatsby,  I  think  she  understood  she 
would  become  his  wife.  Anyway,  she  is  gone,  and  is 
not  worth  grieving  over.    Look  at  her  treatment  of 


At  Work.  169 

you  on  the  train.  That  of  itself  showed  she  was  not 
a  loving  nor  an  intelligent  woman." 

*'  But,  Dalton,"  said  Shepard,  "  that  was  a  mis- 
understanding." 

"  So  I  was  told,  yet  it  proves  that  she  was  unloving 
and  stupid.  If  she  had  been  smart  she  would  have 
learned  the  truth  and  have  been  for  you  instead  of 
against  you.  I  tell  you,  Shepard,  she  is  a  cold-hearted, 
worthless  girl,  and  does  not  know  the  feeling  of  pure 
love.  Even  if  you  had  refused  to  give  up  the  seat 
she  was  not  justified  in  treating  you  as  she  did,  and  a 
loving  woman  would  not  have  done  so.  If  she  had 
treated  me  that  way  I  would  see  her  to  the  devil  before 
I  would  marry  her." 

"  I  forgave  her  for  that  thoughtlessness,  for  I 
considered  it  nothing  else." 

**  I  do  not  doubt  you  forgave  her,"  said  Dalton, 
"  and  it  is  quite  likely  you  forgive  her  now." 

*'  I  do  so,"  answered  Shepard.  **  I  have  not  a  hard 
thought  for  her  or  a  word  to  say  against  her.  •  I 
blame  myself  for  not  writing  earlier  and  informing 
her  of  my  aims  and  hopes.  I  did  not  expect  this,  or 
I  should  not  have  toiled  in  sickness  as  I  did,  but  I  was 
working  for  her.  The  money  I  earned  was  to  make 
her  a  home.  I  had  a  hard  trip  on  the  way  here,  and 
have  worked  hard  since,  but  I  would  have  done  it  over 
again  for  her  if  it  was  ten  times  as  hard.  I  may  be 
very  foolish,  DaJton,  but  she  was  all  the  world  to  me, 
and  now  I  have  lost  her  for  ever." 

There  was  something  like  a  wail  in  Shepard's  voice 
as  he  ceased  speaking,  and  his  face  was  pinched  and 
there  was  a  wistful  look  in  his  eyes. 

Dalton  was  a  jolly  man  and  let  few  things  trouble 
him,  but  he  was  touched  by  Shepard's  sorrow  and  said 
feelingly :  "  Don't  feel  so  bad  about  it.  She  is  gone ; 
don't  think  any  more  about  her,  for  it  can  do  no  good, 
and  besides  there  are  many  better  girls  left.    Don*t 


170  An  Old  Dusty 's  Story. 

let  one  worthless  girl  spoil  your  happiness;  look 
around  for  another.  Shepard,  my  boy,  if  you  can  see 
anything  good  or  lovable  in  Bessie,  you  don't  need  to 
be  uneasy  about  my  consent,  for  I  should  be  glad  to 
call  you  son." 

*'  I  thank  you,  Dalton,  but  I  shall  never  marry.  I 
can  love  no  woman  but  Annie,  and  I  would  not  marry 
without  love." 

"  Nonsense  !  "  exclaimed  Dalton.  "  You  will  get 
over  this  and  then  wonder  how  you  could  have  been  so 
foolish." 

Shepard  shook  his  head.  It  seemed  to  him  he  should 
always  feel  so,  and  that  he  would  never  be  his  old  self 
again.  He  was  extremely  dejected;  the  glorious  sun 
had  lost  its  brightness,  the  fresh  grass  seemed  yellow 
and  the  earth  seemed  to  lie  under  an  eclipse.  Yet 
through  it  all,  he  felt  the  trouble  was  in  his  eyes,  in 
his  brain  and  heart.  Dalton  had  a  large  store  of  funny 
yarns,  and  to  cheer  Shepard,  and  cause  him  to  forget 
his  trouble,  if  possible,  he  told  his  yarns  one  after  an- 
other as  they  rode  along,  but  could  not  draw  a  smile 
from  Shepard.  Dalton  was  too  good-natured  and 
liked  Shepard  too  well  to  take  ofifense,  so  he  kept  on 
with  his  stories,  but  it  was  exceedingly  ludicrous  to 
hear  him  laughing  heartily  at  his  own  yarns,  and  see 
his  companion  sitting  by  him  still  and  sober  as  a 
judge. 

Shepard  went  to  work  with  Dalton  and  was  very 
quiet  and  serious.  He  took  no  part  in  the  games  of 
the  other  workmen,  but  studied  much  and  tried  to 
love  his  religion.  There  were  some  apostates  in  the 
gang  Shepard  worked  with  who  were  men  of  much  in- 
telligence. They  had  seen  a  deal  of  Mormonism, 
and,  like  most  men  who  have  been  deceived,  were 
very  severe  on  the  Mormon  system.  Shepard  under- 
took the  defense  of  his  religion,  and  found  he  invari- 
ably got  the  worst  of  it;  he  would  pot  believe  the 


At  Work.  171 

crimes  charged  against  the  saints,  until  he  heard  some 
of  the  honest  saints  talk  about  them  and  admit  they 
were  true.  An  old  sister  told  him  of  dark  deeds  done 
in  the  past  by  order  of  the  priesthood.  It  troubled 
Shepard  considerably,  for  he  had  come  to  think  the 
gospel  was  true  and  the  priesthood  was  of  God.  He 
determined  to  depend  upon  others  for  knowledge  no 
longer,  but  would  have  a  testimony  for  himself  of  the 
truth  of  Mormonism.  Then  began  the  greatest  strug- 
gle of  his  life.  He  fasted  and  prayed  and  read  the 
Bible  and  the  church  works,  but  instead  of  a  testi- 
mony he  seriously  began  to  doubt  the  truth  of  the  gos- 
pel. Most  of  his  Mormon  friends  advised  him  to  be 
baptized  and  take  his  "  endowment,"  and  then  the 
devil  could  not  tempt  him. 

An  old  Mormon  who  crossed  the  sea  at  the  same 
time  as  Shepard  said :  "  Brother  Shepard,  those  Shell- 
ton  sisters  are  good,  nice  girls ;  take  them  through  the 
house  and  marry  them." 

Shepard  answered :  "  Yes,  brother,  those  are  good 
girls.  I  noticed  them  on  the  sea  and  plains,  and  can 
truly  say  either  one  is  good  enough  for  any  man. 
They  are  sweet-tempered,  sensible  girls,  but  I  cannot 
take  them,  brother,  for  I  shall  never  marry." 

"  You  are  foolish.  Brother  Shepard,  and  talk  non- 
sense. You  must  marry  and  build  up  the  kingdom. 
You  must  have  a  posterity  of  your  own,  or  you  will 
be  a  bootblack  and  a  servant  in  the  next  world.  If 
my  old  woman  would  let  me  I  would  take  them  my- 
self and  not  give  you  the  chance.  Take  them  at  once, 
for  girls  like  them  will  soon  be  picked  up." 

About  this  time  one  of  the  men  he  worked  with  sug- 
gested they  take  a  trip  to  Salt  Lake  City.  So  Shep- 
ard went  in  for  a  few  days'  rest.  While  in  the  city, 
Shepard  was  introduced  to  an  old  Mormon  who  had 
left  the  church  and  joined  the  Josephites.  He  took 
quite  an  interest  in  Shepard,  and  showed  him  how 


172  An  Old  Dusty 's  Story. 

Brigham  had  led  the  saints  astray.  In  a  plain  way  he 
pointed  out  the  errors  of  the  Mormons,  and  then  took 
him  to  the  tithing  yard,  and  showed  him  the  pinched 
and  half-starved  wives  of  workingmen,  waiting  to  get 
a  little  meat  or  butter.  He  pointed  out  the  servants 
of  the  heads  of  the  church,  when  they  came  in  with 
empty  baskets,  and  bade  him  notice  how  quickly  they 
returned  with  baskets  filled  with  choice  meat,  chickens, 
butter  and  eggs.  He  also  took  Shepard  to  the  homes 
of  some  of  the  men  who  worked  on  the  temple,  that 
he  might  hear  for  himself  the  stories  of  their  trouble 
in  getting  the  food  they  wanted. 

Shepard  burned  with  indignation  as  he  listened  to 
the  w^omen's  pitiful  stories.  He  found  wrong  and 
injustice  under  the  shadow  of  the  temple's  walls  and 
the  prophet's  home.  He  found  the  drones  were  con- 
suming the  best  of  everything,  while  the  toiler  was 
given  the  decayed  vegetables  and  stinking  meat.  At 
one  house  they  called  at  the  good  wife  was  boiling  a 
piece  of  beef  she  had  just  brought  from  the  *'  tithing 
store,"  and  the  smell  of  it  was  nearly  unbearable.  The 
"  slink  ''  the  butchers  at  home  were  fined  for  selling 
was  choice  meat  compared  to  it. 

While  in  the  city  Shepard  became  acquainted  with 
a  very  intelligent  spiritualist,  a  man  who  had  just  left 
the  Mormon  church  after  belonging  to  it  for  many 
years.  He  showed  Shepard  that  the  devil  had  nothing 
to  do  with  his  doubt. 

He  said :  "  Those  thoughts  you  attribute  to  the  devil 
come  from  your  own  brain.  It  is  your  reason  trying 
to  free  you  from  fraud  and  humbug.  It  is  not  a  sin 
to  doubt,  but  many  times  it  is  a  good  thing.  So  doubt 
everything  that  is  unreasonable  or  contrary  to  nature, 
and  investigate  everything  without  fear  of  the  devil, 
or  anything  else." 

When  Shepard  grasped  the  meaning  of  the  spirit- 
uaHst's  words,  he  gave  a  deep  sigh  of  relief,  and  he 


"^  At  Work.  173 

felt  as  if  tons  upon  tons  of  heavy  black  clouds  had 
been  taken  from  his  head.  The  devil  had  been  a 
reality  to  him,  and  it  was  exceedingly  pleasant  to 
get  rid  of  him.  Henceforth  there  was  no  devil  or 
burning  hell  to  Shepard.  and  with  their  departure 
came  a  higher,  broader  and  grander  conception  of 
God's  love  than  he  had  ever  known.  He  saw,  now, 
the  cold  "  Adam  "  God  of  the  Mormons,  and  saw 
they  were  like  their  God,  selfish,  cowardly  and  mean. 
No  more  prayers  and  supplications  to  such  a  God ; 
instead  he  would  join  the  brave  apostles  of  Utah. 
He  went  back  to  work  feeling  like  a  new  man.  His 
friends  were  surprised  and  pleased  at  the  change. 
He  said  little,  but  there  was  an  energy  and  an  earnest- 
ness about  him  that  was  good  to  see. 

Dalton  was  overjoyed  to  see  him  changed  so  much 
for  the  better,  and  said  with  a  smile :  *'  Did  you  find 
another  angel  in  Salt  Lake?  " 

Shepard  laughed ;  it  was  the  first  time  in  many 
months.  In  the  dull  past  he  rarely  smiled,  but  he 
could  laugh  now,  for  he  knew  well  what  Dalton  meant, 
so  he  replied :  **  No,  better  than  that ;  I  have  gotten 
rid  of  a  devil." 

Then  he  told  Dalton  all  he  had  seen  and  heard,  and 
said  earnestly :  "  I  have  not  joined  the  church  since  I 
came  to  Utah,  and  I  never  will,  for  I  have  done  with 
Mormonism  for  ever." 

A  few  days  later,  as  Dalton  and  Shepard  sat  talk- 
ing after  supper,  a  teacher  from  the  **  ward  "  below 
came  in.  After  chatting  a  little,  he  asked  Dalton  if 
he  was  not  ready  to  renew  his  covenants.  Said  he  : 
**  Unless  you  renew  your  covenants  and  go  through 
the  house  you  are  not  one  of  us  and  do  not  belong  to 
the  church." 

Dalton  replied  :  "  I  will  do  so  before  long,  but  am 
not  ready  just  now." 


174  An  Old  Dusty 's  Story. 

Turning  to  Shepard,  the  teacher  said :  "  You,  of 
course,  will  renew  at  the  same  time." 

**  No,  I  shall  not,"  answered  Shepard. 

'*  This  won't  do,"  said  the  teacher.  "  You  must 
put  away  this  unrest  and  doubt,  and  then  all  will  be 
well.  Brother  Dalton,  we  are  to  ha.ve  a  three  days' 
drill  over  Jordan,  and  Brother  Wells  wants  every 
ablebodied  man  to  go.  Here  is  a  notice  for  you,  and 
you  must  be  there  without  fail." 

Dalton  did  not  like  this,  so  he  said  as  he  took  the 
notice :  ''  I  have  no  gun  or  sword,  so  can  be  of  no  use 
there." 

*'  That  makes  no  difference,  brother.  You  can  take 
a  pitchfork  or  broom-handle,  or  anything  of  that  kind, 
for  it  will  do  just  as  well.  Brother  Shepard,  here  is  a 
notice  for  you." 

Shepard  was  leaning  back  in  the  chair  with  his 
hands  in  his  pockets. 

Without  moving,  he  said  quietly :  "  I  do  not  want 
it." 

"  But  you  must  take  it,  and  it  is  no  use  to  make  ex- 
cuses." 

"  I  make  no  excuses,"  answered  Shepard.  "  I  do 
not  intend  to  go,  so  simply  say  I  do  not  want  it." 

The  teacher  gazed  at  Shepard  in  astonishment  for 
a  moment,  and  then  said  in  a  solemn,  threatening 
voice :  "  Brother  Wells  has  said  that  any  one  who 
fails  to  attend  the  drill  without  good  cause  will  be 
suspended  from  the  church,  and  do  you  know  what 
that  means  ?  " 

"  No,  and  I  do  not  care." 

'^  But  do  you  not  know  it  is  a  sin  to  disobey  the 
priesthood,  and  for  so  doing  you  are  likely  to  be  cut  off 
from  the  church  ?  " 

"  Your  priesthood  is  nothing  to  me,  and  you  can 
cut  off  when  you  please,  for  I  do  not  acknowledge 
vour  church.     I  came  here  a  Latter  Day  Saint,  and 


At  Work.  175 

have  found  amongst  you  a  lot  of  latter  day  devils,  who 
have  lied  for  the  sake  of  bringing  us  here.  As  you 
taught  your  creed  in  England,  in  the  main,  it  was 
good.  Here  you  practise  what  you  dared  not  teach 
there.  Instead  of  giving  freedom  you  enslave,  and 
would  have  me  obey  a  vile  priesthood  in  all  things, 
and  become  a  traitor  to  the  Government  that  protects 
me.  I  have  not  joined  your  church  and  do  not  in- 
tend to  do  so.  I  have  done  with  your  gospel,  so  don't 
call  me  brother  any  more." 

The  teacher  was  much  surprised.  He  had  assumed 
to  speak  with  authority,  but  now  said  in  a  mild,  coax- 
ing tone :  *'  Take  the  paper  anyway ;  it  cannot  harm 
you." 

He  laid  the  notice  on  Shepard's  knee  as  he  spoke. 
Shepard  shook  it  off  and  answered :  "  It  can  do  me 
no  good,  and  I  wish  you  to  understand  that  I  receive 
no  notice  nor  obey  any  order  from  your  priesthood. 
I  have  become  an  American,  and  shall  obey  the  laws 
of  my  adopted  country  and  not  those  of  your  church. 
Do  not  trouble  me  any  more,  for  I  have  done  with  your 
creed." 

The  teacher  took  up  the  paper  and  left,  and  there 
was  silence  in  the  room  for  several  minutes.  It  was 
broken  by  Mrs.  Dalton,  who  said :  "  You  have  made 
the  teacher  mad,  Shepard,  and  he  will  report  you." 

"  I  did  not  wish  to  anger  him  nor  hurt  his  feel- 
ings, but  it  is  best  he  should  understand  I  want  noth- 
ing to  do  with  his  church.  I  did  not  want  to  leave 
them,  and  I  have  prayed  their  religion  might  be  true. 
I  wanted  it  to  be  true,  and  would  have  made  any  sacri- 
fice for  it  if  I  had  found  it  so.  But  against  my  own 
inclination  and  desire,  tlie  evidence  I  have  had  has 
proven  it  to  be  a  fraud  and  not  a  God-given  religion. 
I  am  now  certain  it  is  a  man-made  system,  and  I  be- 
lieve the  aim  of  its  leaders  is  worldly  power  and  the 
gratification  of  unbounded  lust.     I  have  been  weak 


176  An  Old  Dusty 's  Story. 

and  wavering,  for  I  was  groping  in  the  dark,  but  I 
have  now  found  the  Hght  of  Americanism.  I  am  no 
longer  uncertain  about  Mormonism,  so  I  want  it 
known  where  I  stand." 

''  What  will  your  friends  think?  "  asked  Dalton. 

"  I  do  not  know,  but  it  is  most  likely  they  will  mis- 
judge me ;  and  perhaps  some  of  them  will  say  I  have 
committed  some  secret  sin  that  caused  me  to  leave  the 
church.  You  know  the  priesthood  tell  the  people 
that  the  apostate  has  in  secret  committed  some  crime 
or  sin,  and  because  of  it  the  Lord  makes  him  leave 
the  church  so  he  may  be  damned.  Dalton,  just  look 
at  it,"  and  Shepard  arose  as  he  spoke.  ''  When  they 
cannot  control  a  man  and  keep  him  a  slave,  they  try 
to  blast  his  character  for  ever.  And  it  is  done,  amongst 
their  dupes,  for  they  believe  it,  and  speculate  amongst 
themselves  upon  the  awful  thing  Brother  So-and-So 
must  have  done  to  cause  him  to  deny  the  Holy  Ghost. 
Holy  devils,  Dalton !  It  is  a  cursed  creed,  a  cursed 
priesthood,  and  a  cursed  people,  who  can  teach  and  be- 
lieve such  stuff  and  call  it  religion.  There  is  no  re- 
ligion about  it :  it  is  a  damned  fraud,  and  I  cannot 
help  saying  so." 

Shepard  walked  out  to  cool  off,  for  he  had  become 
warm.  Mrs.  Dalton  was  astonished ;  she  had  never 
heard  Shepard  swear  before,  and  to  her  simple  soul 
this  was  awful  swearing.  She  thought  of  those  Salt 
Lake  spiritualists,  then  shook  her  head,  and  was  quite 
ready  to  believe  they  had  cast  a  spell  over  him.  She 
looked  at  her  husband.  He  sat  quietly  smoking  his 
pipe  and  was  not  aJarmed  in  the  least.  He  rather 
liked  this  talk  of  Shepard's,  but  could  not  go  quite  so 
far  himself. 

Things  went  along  nicely  with  Shepard.  He  was 
studying  Mormonism  from  a  new  standpoint  and 
looking  up  its  weak  places.  Though  not  aggressive, 
he  was  always  ready  to  "  tackle "  bishop,  priest  or 


At  Work.  177 

teacher.  With  the  first  snow  storm  Howard  came 
down  and  settled  near  to  Dalton,  and  got  work  at  the 
same  place.  Shepard  went  to  hve  with  them,  for 
the  Howards  were  still  dear  to  him.  It  was  a  happy 
reunion,  and  they  treated  him  like  a  son,  and  he  could 
not  doubt  them.  For  their  kindness,  past  and  pres- 
ent,  he  tried  to  fully  pay  them,  and  if  money,  presents 
and  labor  would  pay  it,  it  was  many  times  paid.  The 
Howards  claimed  they  did  not  know  Annie  was  going 
to  be  married,  and  said  they  were  sorry  she  married 
that  way. 

Howard  was  quite  liberal,  and  many  times  joined 
Shepard  in  a  bout  with  the  Mormons  who  frequently 
spent  an  evening  with  them.  Mrs.  Howard  would 
often  become  mad  at  them  and  berate  them  roundly. 
She  was  loyal  to  the  core,  and  though  she  saw  some 
wrong  in  the  church,  she  declared  the  gospel  was 
true. 

She  said :  "  Any  one  that  does  wrong  and  does  not 
live  his  religion  will  be  damned,  artd  serve  him.  right 
too." 

In  the  winter,  Shepard  got  a  severe  blow,  in  the 
accidental  discovery  of  a  letter  from  Annie  to  her 
father.  It  had  been  thrown  in  the  woodshed  with 
some  old  papers,  and  seeing  her  loved  hand,  he  took 
it  up,  and  a  quiver  of  joy  passed  over  him  as  he 
thought  of  the  soft  warm  hand  that  had  penned  those 
lines.  He  did  not  mean  to  read  the  letter,  but  on  the 
open  page  before  him  he  saw  his  own  name,  and  he 
knew  all  at  a  glance.  It  was  an  answer  to  the  letter 
her  father  had  written  to  her,  stating  Shepard  had 
asked  his  leave  to  marry  her  and  he  had  given  his 
consent. 

In  reply  she  had  written :  "  You  were  very  foolish 
to  give  your  consent  to  anything  of  the  kind,  for  I 
am  going  to  marry  Brother  Tatsby." 

Poor  Shepard!  This  was  the  crudest  cut  of  all. 
12 


178  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

He  was  deeply  wounded  and  his  heart  ached  with  a 
new  anguish.  Yet  he  felt  no  resentment ;  his  love  was 
so  great  that  he  could  not  think  rror  speak  unkindly 
of  her.  He  had  taken  some  papers  to  start  the  fire 
with,  so  he  placed  the  letter  between  one  of  them, 
as  no  doubt  it  had  been  before,  and  took  it  to  the  stove. 
He  resolved  no  one  should  know  he  had  seen  the  let- 
ter nor  know  he  suffered. 

In  the  spring,  Shepard's  Gentile  boss  left  and  a 
"  good  saint  "  took  his  place.  He  undertook  to  bring 
Shepard  back  to  Mormonism  and  preached  the  gos- 
pel to  him.  In  return,  Shepard  gave  him  strong  doses 
of  Americanism,  which  did  not  agree  with  the  traitor's 
stomach,  so  he  belched  forth  fumes  of  fire  and  brim- 
stone, and  "  hell  across  lots." 

Shepard  laughed  at  him  and  told  him  his  hell  was 
burnt  out,  and  his  devil  was  a  cur  that  had  been  so 
scared  by  the  whistle  of  the  locomotive  that  he  had 
drawn  in  his  horns  and  tail,  covered  up  his  hideous 
feet,  and  tried  to  make  strang-ers  believe  he  was  a 
gentleman  arwd  an  American. 

Howard  sided  with  Shepard  no  longer,  but  became 
one  of  the  nastiest  Mormans  of  the  place.  He  was 
constantly  sneering  at  the  government  and  the  Ameri- 
can people,  and  as  sure  as  Shepard  heard  him  there 
was  a  spat.  Mrs.  Howard  told  them  to  stop  their 
quarreling  or  she  would  put  them  bo-th  out.  Still, 
week  after  week  it  went  on. 

Dalton  asked  Shepard  to  supper  one  evening,  and 
when  it  was  over  said :  "  I  find  the  boss  intends  to 
turn  off  a  couple  of  men,  as  he  can  get  along  without 
them.  Howard  being  the  last  man  here,  should  be  one 
of  them.  He  has  known  of  it  for  some  time,  and  has 
so  worked  himself  in  with  the  boss  that  he  is  not  likely 
to  go.  He  has  been  working  against  you, — I  have  it 
from  a  friend  of  the  boss,  and  there  is  no  doubt  of  it, 


At  Work.  179 

$0  do  not  say  anything  more  about  Mormonism  or 
they  will  work  you  out." 

"  Do  I  ever  begin  an  argument  ?  "  asked  Shepard. 

"  No,  but  that  isn't  it ;  you  must  pay  no  attention  to 
them  when  they  begin  it." 

*'  It  is  no  use  to  try,  Dalton,  for  I  cannot  be  quiet 
when  these  ignorant  foreigners  are  abusing  my 
adopted  country.  They  abuse  its  officers  and  declare 
them  to  be  corrupt  from  the  President  down,  and  say 
the  country  is  going  to  the  devil.  What  do  these 
beef-eating  fools  know  of  America?  They  see  every- 
thing through  Mormon  spectacles.  So  far  those  men 
have  had  full  bellies  and  more  money  in  their  pockets 
than  they  ever  had  at  one  time  before,  and  they  give 
Brigham  credit  for  it  all  and  praise  the  Lord.  They 
are  too  dull  to  see  that  it  is  American  money,  brought 
here  by  American  enterprise,  that  blesses  them.  And 
to  cap  it  all.  they  abuse  and  would  smite  the  hand 
that  feeds  them.  Don't  ask  me  to  be  quiet  for  sake  of 
a  job  when  traitors  abuse  my  country  and  its  people. 
I  have  learned  enough  to  know  that  America  is  the 
best  country  in  the  world  for  the  workingman.  It  is 
a  Godsend  to  struggling  humanity.  When  I  was  in 
England  I  was  not  afraid  to  speak  for  Mormonism, 
for  I  believed  it  was  true,  and,  now  that  I  have  found 
"it  false  I  am  going  to  say  so  and  fear  the  loss  of  no 
job.  If  there  was  a  doubt  in  my  mind  that  I  was 
wrong  in  leaving  Mormonism  it  is  gone  now,  for  these 
have  proven  I  was  right  in  every  way.  I  could  never 
have  known  the  vileness  of  Mormonism  if  I  had  not 
opposed  it." 

Dalton  said  no  more ;  he  saw  it  was  useless.  Shep- 
ard's  strong  words  pleased  him,  and  he  liked  to  see 
the  Mormons  worsted  in  argument,  but  he  did  not 
wish  to  see  him  discharged  for  opposing  Mormonism. 
He  also  hoped  that  Shepard  might  love  again  and  be 
attracted  by  Bessie,  but  Shepard  thought  he  should 


l8o  An  Old  Dusty *s  Story. 

never  love  again  and  should  nevr  marry.  Women 
were  sisters  to  him  and  nothing  more. 

Some  time  after  Dalton's  advice  to  Shepard,  How- 
ard and  Shepard  got  in  a  heated  argument  over  Mor- 
monism.  Howard  asserted  there  would  be  another 
war  between  the  North  and  South,  and  they  would  so 
weaken  themselves  and  ruin  the  nation  that  the  Mor- 
mons would  have  to  step  in  and  save  it  from  destruc- 
tion. ''  And,"  thundered  Howard,  "  we  shall  then  gov- 
ern this  nation,  and  Zion  will  rise  in  her  glory  and  the 
whole  world  will  bow  before  us  in  fear  and  trem- 
bhng." 

"  Bah !  "  exclaimed  Shepard,  "  no  one  is  going  to 
bow  down  to  or  be  afraid  of  a  despised  thing  like 
Mormonism." 

Howard  grew  white  at  the  words  and  screamed: 
^*  I  tell  you  they  are,  and  the  government  fear  us 
now.  The  people  fear  us  because  we  are  righteous 
and  have  the  power  of  the  Lord,  and  they  would  like 
to  drive  us  away  so  they  could  take  our  homes  and 
wives.  But  they  had  better  not  try  it,  for  we  shall 
not  be  driven  again." 

"  You  are  crazy,"  said  Shepard.  "  The  people  do 
not  want  your  homes  or  wives,  and  the  fear  is  in  your 
own  hearts.  You  know  you  are  traitors  to  the  gov- 
ernment, and  like  all  criminals  you  are  in  constant  fear 
of  law  and  justice." 

"  It's  a  lie !  "  shrieked  Howard.  "  We  fear  noth- 
ing but  the  Lord.  He  is  with  us,  and  we  can  whip  the 
United  States,  and  we  will  do  so  if  they  attempt  to 
drive  us  again." 

Shepard  became  quite  serious  and  asked :  "  Would 
you  fight  against  the  government  ?  " 

"  Yes,  I  would  if  Brigham  ordered  it.  And  why 
not?  Have  they  not  murdered  our  prophets  and 
robbed  us  of  our  homes?  Would  you  not  fight  for 
Mormonism  if  it  was  required  ?  " 


At  Work.  i8i 

"  No,  T  would  not,"  answered  Shepard. 

"Would  you  fight  against  Mormonism?" 

"  I  do  not  wish  to  fight." 

Howard  became  quite  excited  again  and  cried: 
"  That  is  no  answer.  I  want  to  know  if  you  would 
fight  against  the  Mormons  ?  " 

Shepard  looked  defiantly  into  Howard's  flashing 
eyes,  and  his  own  began  to  sparkle,  but  controlling 
himself,  he  said  in  low,  earnest  tones :  *'  I  do  not  be- 
lieve in  war,  I  do  not  like  fighting;  I  have  many 
friends  amongst  the  Mormons  and  would  not  like  to 
see  them  harmed ;  still,  if  my  country  or  duty  required 
it  I  would  fight  against  the  Mormons,  England,  or 
any  one  else." 

Howard  raised  his  arm  as  he  asked  again :  "  Do  you 
say  you  would  fight  against  the  Mormons  ?  " 

Shepard  answered  with  gleaming  eyes  and  set  face : 
"  I  do  say  so,  and  I  would  do  it,  too." 

For  a  full  minute  there  was  silence  in  the  room. 
They  had  risen,  and  Shepard  stood  before  Howard, 
looking  into  his  blazing  eyes,  and  Howard's  strong 
arm  seemed  ready  to  fell  Shepard  to  the  floor. 

Mrs.  Howard,  from  across  the  room,  looked  upon 
them  with  frightened  face.  She  who  had  always  been 
ready  to  stop  their  quarreHng  dared  not  speak  now, 
for  she  knew  only  too  well  what  Howard  was  when 
mad,  having  herself  many  times  felt  his  blows. 

At  last  Howard  cried,  mad  with  passion :  "  I  want 
you  to  get  out  of  my  house.  No  one  who  would  de- 
stroy the  saints  can  live  with  me.  No  damned  apos- 
tate can  find  shelter  under  my  roof.  I  want  you  to  get 
out  right  away,  for  I  have  had  enough  of  your  devil- 
ish lies." 

As  he  finished  speaking,  he  grabbed  his  hat  and 
left  the  room.  Shepard's  face  was  very  stern.  He 
made  no  answer,  but  at  once  began  to  gather  up  his 
things. 


1 82  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

Mrs.  Howard  went  to  him  and,  laying  her  hand 
upon  his  shoulder,  said :  "  You  must  not  notice  him, 
for  he  does  not  mean  it.  He  is  mad  to-night  and  does 
not  know  what  he  is  saying.  Pay  no  attention  to 
him,  and  he  will  be  all  right  in  the  morning." 

Shepard  answered :    "  Perhaps  he  will,  yet  I  shall 

g°-" 

He  went  to  his  room  and  soon  returned  with  his 
blankets  under  his  arm. 

Mrs.  Howard  took  hold  of  him  and  exclaimed: 
"  You  shall  not  go  to-night ;  it  is  too  late." 

Shepard  spoke  to  her  kindly,  and  showed  her  the 
folly  of  remaining  longer  with  them.  When  she  found 
he  would  not  remain,  with  tears  in  her  eyes  she  let 
him  go  out  into  the  darkness. 

Shepard  went  to  a  neighbor's  shed  and  made  .a  bed 
in  the  hay.  He  thought  as  he  lay  down :  ''I  shall  find 
no  Mormon  fanaticism  or  intolerance  here." 

At  that  moment  one  of  the  horses  whinnied,  and 
Shepard  said  with  a  grim  smile :  '*  Glad  to  hear  you, 
trusty  horse,  for  your  whinny  is  far  pleasanter  than 
the  bray  of  the  Mormon  jackass." 

Shepard  went  down  to  Dalton's  for  breakfast  next 
morning,  and  got  there  just  as  Dalton  was  leaving  for 
work. 

''  Hello,  Shepard,"  exclaimed  Dalton,  "  is  there 
something  wrong  this  morning?" 

"  Yes,  I  had  a  fuss  with  Howard  last  night,  and 
have  left  there.  Can  I  stay  with  you  for  a  few 
days?" 

"  Of  course  you  can,  and  we  shall  be  glad  to  have 
you  all  the  time ;  but  tell  me  the  cause  of  the  row." 

"  There  is  not  time  now.    I  will  tell  you  to-night." 

"  What !    Are  you  not  going  to  work  ?  " 

''  No,  I  will  lay  off  to-day  and  move  down." 

Shepard  went  to  Howard's  after  breakfast  for  his 
trunk.    Mrs.  Howard  bade  him  a  pleasant  good  morn- 


At  Work.  183 

mfn:  and  said :  "  Brother  Howard  is  sorry  for  what  he 
said  last  night,  and  does  not  want  you  to  leave.  He 
has  no  ill-feeling  toward  you  this  morning,  so  bring  up 
your  blankets  and  think  no  more  about  it." 

Shepard  replied :  '*  I  have  arranged  to  stay  at  Dal- 
ton's  a  few  days,  then  I  shall  go  South." 

"  Surely  you  are  not  going  to  leave  on  account  of 
this  quarrel  ?  " 

"  No,  not  altogether  on  account  of  it.  I  want  a 
change,  and  might  as  well  go  now." 

She  begged  him  to  stay,  assured  him  he  was  as  dear 
to  them  as  a  son,  told  him  there  would  be  no  more 
trouble  if  he  stayed,  for  they  would  not  talk  about 
religion.  She  pleaded  in  vain,  for  Shepard  would 
not  return. 

Shepard  returned  to  Dalton's,  and  that  evening 
gave  him  an  account  of  his  quarrel  with  Howard,  and 
said :  "  I  shall  leave  you  in  two  or  three  days  and  go 
South." 

"  Don't  be  foolish,"  answered  Dalton.  "  You  are 
doing  well  here,  so  let  well  alone.  Annie  is  coming 
down  soon,  and  if  she  finds  you  have  left  on  account 
of  a  quarrel  with  her  father,  will  she  not  think  she  is 
lucky  in  marrying  Brother  Tatsby  instead  of  you  ?  " 

"  I  do  not  care  what  Annie  thinks,  for  she  is  nothing 
to  me.  Neither  do  I  wish  to  see  her,  for  I  love  her 
still  and  might  make  a  fool  of  myself.  Not  that  I 
should  mention  the  past  or  my  suffering,  or  let  her 
know  I  loved  her  still,  but  I  am  afraid  she  would  see 
it  in  my  eyes.  I  know  it  is  foolish  and  weak  in  me 
to  love  her  after  what  she  has  done,  but  I  cannot  help 
it.  I  have  been  thinking  of  a  change  for  some  time, 
so  do  not  leave  altogether  on  account  of  the  quarrel 
or  Annie's  coming,  though  they  hasten  my  departure." 

Three  days  later  Shepard  was  standing  at  Dalton's 
door  waiting  for  the  team  that  was  to  take  him  to 
Salt  Lake.    Dalton,  his  wife  and  Bessie  were  there. 


1 84  An  Old  Dusty 's  Story. 

Sweet  Bessie,  who  had  been  "  hired  out  "  to  a  farmer's 
wife  near  by,  had  come  home  to  see  Shepard  off.  It 
was  Dalton's  dearest  wish  to  have  Shepard  for  a 
son.  He  hoped  he  might  have  forgotten  Annie  and 
learned  to  love  one  who  was  sweeter,  prettier  and  bet- 
ter. But  no ;  Shepard's  heart  was  seared,  and  he  did 
not  think  he  should  ever  love  or  marry.  It  was  a 
sorrowful  parting,  for  the  Daltons  thought  much  of 
Shepard  and  it  grieved  them  that  he  should  go  away. 
Shepard  himself  was  affected,  but  felt  it  was  best  to 
go.  He  stayed  in  Salt  Lake  a  few  days,  and  then 
went  South  and  obtained  employment.  He  worked 
until  Christmas,  when,  obtaining  leave  to  go  off  for 
a  week,  he  went  to  see  his  friend  Dalton,  who  had 
moved  to  Ogden. 

They  greeted  him  cordially  and  their  words  of 
welcome  caused  his  heart  to  glow  as  it  had  not  done 
for  months.  His  Christmas  was  a.  happy  one  and  his 
heart  was  warmed  with  a  new  joy.  Bessie  brought 
home  a  number  of  her  friends,  thinking  they  would 
please  him,  but  he,  poor  fellow,  was  afraid  of  the 
girls  and  tried  to  run  away;  but  they  caught  him, 
and  he  had  to  share  in  their  fun.  Yet  he  felt  strangely 
out  of  place.  He  did  not  seem  to  be  young  any  more, 
and  he  chose  to  be  with  the  older  folks. 

But  there  was  one  ringing  laugh  that  was  pleasant 
to  his  ears,  one  light  foot  he  caught  himself  listening 
for,  and  there  was  one  smile  that  gave  his  heart  a 
little  thrill.  He  hardly  knew  the  cause  of  it,  or  what 
it  meant,  but  it  would  come  when  Bessie  smiled  upon 
him,  and  it  was  very  sweet  and  tender.  Mrs.  Dalton 
was  pleased  and  satisfied,  and  when  mothers  are  satis- 
fied all  must  be  going  well. 

Shepard  enjoyed  his  visit  to  the  Daltons  very  much, 
and  at  parting  said :  "  I  shall  come  again  when  I 
can  get  away  from  my  work  for  a  few  days. 


At  Work.  185 

And  Mrs.  Dalton  answered :  "  Do  so.  and  come 
soon,  for  we  like  to  see  our  friends  often." 

As  Shepard  pressed  Bessie's  hand  at  parting,  he 
felt  it  would  be  a  pleasure  to  visit  them  soon.  But 
it  was  not  to  be,  for  henceforth  he  would  have  no  in- 
terest in  Ogden.  Ties  he  did  not  even  dream  of  would 
keep  him  away.  One  of  those  strange  things  in  life 
was  going  to  happen,  and  when  the  Daltons  saw  Shep- 
ard again  he  would  be  a  married  man.  If  any  one 
had  told  him  so,  he  would  have  thought  him  crazy. 
If  any  one  had  asked  him  if  he  would  ever  marry  he 
would  have  answered :   "  No." 

Yet,  the  train  was  whirling  him  to  the  woman  who 
would  soon  be  his  wife. 


i86  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

THE  ORPHANS. 

When  Shepard  reached  Salt  Lake,  instead  of 
taking  a  hack  to  a  hotel,  he  walked  to  the  home  of 
an  old  friend  who  wished  him  to  stay  at  his  house 
whenever  he  came  to  the  city.  Mr.  Sweet,  the  man 
Shepard  called  upon,  was  also  an  old  friend  of  his 
father.  He  was  exceedingly  glad  to  see  Shepard  and 
said:  ''  You  are  just  the  man  I  want  to  see.  I  am  in 
the  position  of  the  old  woman  who  '*  had  so  many 
children  she  didn't  know  what  to  do."  But  you  can 
help  me  out,  and  are  the  m,an  to  do  it,  too.  Come 
and  see  the  women  folks  and  I  will  tell  you  all  about 
it  afterwards.  And,  Shepard,  keep  your  eyes  open 
and  notice  some  one  closely." 

"  Well,  what  a  surprise!"  exclaimed  Mrs.  Sweet, 
as  Shepard  entered  the  sitting-room.  "  When  did  you 
come  to  town  ?  " 

"  I  have  just  arrived,  and  leave  again  to-morrow." 

''  We  will  see  about  that.  It  is  a  long  time  since 
we  saw  you,  and  now  we  have  gotten  you  we  shall  try 
to  keep  you  a  few  days  at  the  least." 

"  I  cannot  well  do  so,  for  I  promised  to  be  back  to- 
morrow," answered  Shepard. 

"  Never  mind  your  promise.  They  can  get  along 
a  few  days  without  you,  I  am  sure." 

"  You  had  better  give  in,"  said  Sweet,  "  for  these 
women  will  have  their  own  way." 

Mrs,    Sweet  turned   to   the   wiridow,   where   sat   a 


The  Orphans.  187 

young  lady  hitherto  unnoticed  by  Shepard,  and  said : 
"  Mr.  Shepard,  this  is  Miss  Harland,  the  daughter  of 
your  father's  old  friend.  Miss  Harland,  this  is  Mr. 
Shepard,  whom  you  have  heard  so  much  about." 

After  some  conversation.  Sweet  said:  **  Shepard, 
let  us  take  a  walk  up  town." 

As  they  walked  along,  Sweet  said :  "  What  do 
you  think  of  Miss  Harland?" 

"  She  is  a  quiet  little  woman,"  answered  Shepard, 
"  but  she  does  not  impress  me  favorably.  Why  do 
you  ask  ?  " 

"  Well,  to  be  plain,  I  want  to  get  a  home  for, her.  I 
have  also  a  fatherly  interest  in  you,  and  would  like 
to  see  you  settled.  You  wander  around  too  much  and 
squander  your  money  on  your  friends.  You  are  not 
happy,  and  won't  be  until  you  take  a  wife  and  make 
a  home  of  your  own.  Maggie  Harland  is  a  quiet,  good 
girl,  and  is  just  the  kind  of  a  woman  you  need  for  a 
wife,  and  I  will  warrant  you  she  will  make  a  good 
wife.  She  is  the  orphan  daughter  of  one  of  your 
family's  best  friends.  She  is  your  towns-woman,  so 
her  ways  will  suit  you.  She  has  been  here  but  a  short 
time  and  has  not  a  friend  in  the  country  but  ourselves. 
You  need  some  one  to  toil  for  and  encourage  you  in 
your  labor,  to  comfort  you  in  distress,  and  to  share 
your  joys.  You  are  now  aimless  and  purposeless  and 
need  an  object  in  life.  Marry  Miss  Harland,  Shepard. 
I  know  you  can't  do  a  better  thing." 

Shepard  did  not  answer  at  once,  but  when  he  did 
he  was  quite  serious.  He  said :  "  I  do  not  intend  to 
marry,  and  if  I  did  this  woman  could  be  nothing  to 
me. 

"  Nonsense,  Shepard,  you  ought  to  get  over  this 
foolishness.  You  ought  to  marry  and  make  yourself 
a  home,  and  you  can't  find  a  better  girl  than  Maggie. 
She  brings  a  high  recommend  from  your  own  father. 
Here  it  is,  read  it/' 


1 88  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

Sweet  handed  a  letter  to  Shepard.  It  was  a  letter 
from  Shepard's  father  to  Mr.  Sweet  and  closed  as  fol- 
lows :  '*  You  will  receive  this  letter  from  the  hands  of 
Miss  Harland,  a  most  worthy  daughter  of  our  old 
friend,  Vincent  Harland.  She  leaves  for  Zion  to- 
morrow, and  as  she  is  alone  in  the  world,  I  know  you 
will  take  a  fatherly  interest  in  her,  and  help  her  to  find 
a  comfortable  home.  My  son  William  is  somewhere 
in  Utah,  and  I  hear  has  left  the  church,  and  intends 
to  leave  the  territory.  If  you  know  anything  of  him, 
and  can  see  him,  get  him  interested  in  Miss  Harland. 
She  would  make  him  an  excellent  wife.  If  he  can 
assist  you  in  procuring  a  home  for  her,  ask  him  to  do 
so,  for  she  is  worthy  of  all  he  can  do  for  her.  With 
love  to  all,  I  am  your  brother  in  the  everlasting  gospel. 
W.  C.  Shepard." 

Shepard  handed  the  letter  back  without  a  word. 
He  was  asking  himself  if  his  father  had  sent  him  a 
wife. 

Seeing  Shepard's  serious  face.  Sweet  said :  "  The 
old  man  wants  you  to  marry  her.     Will  you  do  so  ?  " 

"  No,  I  will  not,"  answered  Shepard. 

"  Why  not  ?  "  said  Sweet. 

"  Because  I  do  not  want  a  wife,  and  I  do  not  love 
her." 

*'  Don't  be  uneasy  about  love,  that  will  come  after- 
ward." 

**  May  be,"  said  Shepard,  ''  but  I  shall  not  risk  it." 

Finding  he  could  not  induce  Shepard  to  marry  or 
make  any  promise.  Sweet  said :  ''  Will  you  help  me 
find  her  a  home?  I  cannot  afford  to  keep  her,  for 
work  is  slack  with  me  this  time  of  the  year.  Maggie 
has  always  been  used  to  weaving  and  knows  little 
about  housekeeping,  so  I  don't  like  her  to  go  amongst 
strangers.  I  would  like  her  to  have  a  good  place. 
Will  you  stay  in  town  a  day  or  two  and  help  me  to  find 
one  for  her  ?  " 


The  Orphans.  189 

Shepard  promised  to  do  so,  and  they  shortly  re- 
turned home.  That  evening,  after  supper,  and  while 
Miss  Harland  was  washing  dishes,  Mrs.  Sweet  took 
Shepard  aside  and  in  her  own  motherly  way  showed 
him  the  advantages  of  settling  down,  and  advised 
him  to  marry  Maggie.  But  Shepard  would  not  con- 
sent to  it,  and  was  shocked  at  the  idea  of  marrying  a 
woman  he  did  not  love,  and  who  rather  repelled  than 
attracted  him.  Though  he  did  not  think  to  marry,  he 
had  strong  ideas  in  regard  to  marriage.  He  con- 
sidered marriage  holy  and  sacred,  and  not  to  be 
thoughtlessly  entered  into.  He  believed  in  the  union 
of  hearts  and  souls  and  an  affinity  of  spirit.  There 
might  be  nothing  congenial  between  himself  and  this 
woman,  and  what  a  sin  it  would  be  to  marry.  As 
she  was  poor  and  friendless  he  would  assist  her,  but 
would  not  marry  her. 

Such  were  Shepard's  thoughts  as  he  and  Sweet 
went  afound  next  day  to  inquire  of  their  friends  where 
they  could  find  a  place  for  Miss  Harland.  But  Sweet 
spent  more  time  trying  to  induce  Shepard  to  marry, 
than  in  anything  else. 

As  they  were  going  home,  Sweet  said :  "  She  loves 
you,  Shepard,  and  it  is  my  opinion  she  came  to  Zion 
on  account  of  you  as  much  as  anything." 

Shepard  felt  cross  and  exclaimed  hastily :  "  How 
can  that  be  ?  " 

**  Just  this  way,  and  it  is  quite  plain  to  me.  Since 
she  was  left  alone  she  has  spent  most  of  her  time  with 
your  folks,  and  I  know  they  would  never  have  done 
talking  alx)ut  their  boy  who  had  gone  to  Zion,  and 
though  you  may  not  know  it,  you  are  the  dearest  one 
in  the  world  to  them.  Your  ready  help  when  they 
needed  anything,  and  your  noble,  generous  nature  Has 
often  been  commented  upon.  She  has  heard  your 
letters  read  and  has  become  as  familiar  with  your  his- 
tory as  your  own  folks.     Before  you  left  home  she 


iQo  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

had  seen  yon  and  remembered  you  quite  well.  Being 
alone  herself,  she  must  have  often  thought  of  you 
struggling  alone  here,  and  must  have  pitied  you. 
With  your  father's  letter  in  her  pocket  she  must  have 
often  thought  of  you  as  she  came  along,  and  may 
have  prayed  to  meet  you  and  find  favor  in  your  eyes. 
Since  she  came  to  us  we  have  talked  much  about  you, 
and  if  she  does  not  love  you  she  certainly  esteems 
you  very  highly.  You  will  forgive  me  for  pressing 
this  marriage  upon  you,  when  I  tell  you  it  is  done  for 
your  sake,  for  I  feel  sure  it  will  promote  your  welfare 
and  happiness." 

Shepard  did  not  answer,  for  those  last  words  car- 
ried his  mind  back  to  many  acts  of  kindness  that  had 
been  bestowed  upon  him  by  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Sweet. 
There  was  no  selfishness  in  their  friendship.  They 
wished  to  do  him  good  and  benefit  him,  there  was  no 
doubt  of  that.  Shepard  was  not  offended  at  them  for 
urging  this  marriage,  for  he  regarded  them  above  all 
other  friends,  and  would  have  done  anything  to  please 
tliem  except  marry. 

So  he  said :  "  I  do  not  doubt  but  you  mean  me  well, 
but  I  cannot  marry  a  woman  I  do  not  love.  If  she  is 
interested  in  me,  and  desires  it,  I  will  write  to  her 
occasionally.  But  it  must  be  understood  I  write  as 
a  friend  only.  If  our  friendship  should  ripen  into 
love  I  may  marry  her,  but  will  not  do  it  now." 

Sweet  answered :  "  Marry  her  before  you  go  away, 
you  will  never  regret  it." 

Several  days  passed  and  a  comfortable  home  had 
been  found  for  Miss  Harland.  She  was  to  go  in  a 
day  or  two,  and  Shepard  would  leave  on  the  morrow. 
Every  day  the  Sweets  had  worked  with  him  from  early 
morn  until  late  at  night  trying  to  induce  him  to  marry. 
But  he  stood  firm  and  answered,  "  No,"  to  all  their 
pleading. 

This  last  afternoon,  as  Shepard  was  helping  Sweet 


The  Orphans.  IQI 

in  his  shop,  Sweet  said:  'Don't  go  away  to-morrow, 
but  stay  and  marry  Maggie/' 

"  What  foolishness !  "  exclaimed  Shepard.  "  You 
talk  as  if  the  girl  had  nothing  to  say  in  the  matter,  and 
I  had  only  to  ask  and  receive.  It  is  not  likely  she 
would  have  me,  for  I  have  hardly  noticed  or  spoken 
to  her." 

"  Will  you  try  her  and  see  ?  "  said  Sweet  eagerly. 

"  No,  I  do  not  want  to  marry." 

Shepard  went  to  work  again,  glad  to  be  away  from 
the  disagreeable  subject.  But  it  was  not  for  long, 
for  Sweet  stopped  him,  and  began  to  talk  about  the 
marriage  again.  He  showed  him  the  barren  life  he 
had  lived  since  Annie  jilted  him,  pictured  the  beauties 
of  home,  of  the  happy  fireside  and  loving  wife,  and 
said  again :  **  Marry  Miss  Harland,  Shepard." 

**  No,  Sweet,  I  do  not  wish  to,  and  please  don't  men- 
tion it  again,  for  she  would  not  have  me  anyway." 

"  Try  her,  my  boy.    Will  you  ask  her  to  please  me?  " 

Shepard  was  bothered  for  a  moment,  and  in  that 
moment  of  weakness,  answered :  "  Yes." 

He  was  startled  by  the  word,  and  was  sorry  he  had 
spoken  it ;  in  his  inmost  soul  he  shrank  from  the  word, 
and  his  heart  rebelled  at  the  thought  of  asking  a 
woman  he  did  not  love  to  become  his  wife. 

He  turned  cold  and  shivered  a  little,  as  Sweet  cried 
with  joy :  **  You  will  never  regret  it,  Shepird,  I  assure 
you,  you  will  never  regret  it.  and  you  will  find  it 
the  best  thing  you  ever  did.  Go  over  to  the  house, 
my  boy,  and  ask  her  at  once." 

Then  Shepard  spoke  long  and  with  much  earnest- 
ness about  the  folly  and  sin  of  marrying  without 
love,  and  cried  out  in  anguish :  "  I  did  not  mean  to 
say  yes,  and  I  will  not  ask  her." 

Sweet  answered  quietly :  **  You  have  promised  to 
ask  her.  1  know  you  to  be  a  man  of  honor,  so  you 
will  keep  your  promise." 


T92  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

"  I  will  not  ask  her  to  marry  me,"  said  Shepard, 
savagely. 

Then  he  took  up  a  tool  and  went  to  work,  for  he 
could  not  bear  to  be  still.  He  was  sorry  that  he  had 
called  to  see  the  Sweets.  He  wished  there  was  a 
train  going  South  so  he  could  leave  that  evening.  He 
was  thoroughly  miserable,  and  would  have  given  every- 
thing he  possessed  to  call  back  that  word,  yes.  He 
made  up  his  mind  to  slip  off  in  the  morning  before 
the  Sweets  got  up  and  then  write  them  about  it.  But 
it  was  not  to  be  that  way,  for  Sweet  stopped  his  work 
again  and  said :  "  Go  to  the  house  and  propose  to  her, 
Shepard." 

But  Shepard  did  not  answer.  He  turned  to  the 
window  and  saw  the  wintry  sun  approaching  the 
western  hills.  And  those  snow-clad  hills  did  not  seem 
more  cold  than  his  heart.  Sweet  went  to  the  window 
also  and  urged  Shepard  to  go  to  the  house,  and  the 
tempter  never  was  more  persevering  in  his  efforts  to 
lead  a  soul  astray,  than  Sweet  was  to  effect  this  mar- 
riage. 

Shepard  felt  himself  to  be  "  between  the  devil  and 
the  deep  sea,"  and  there  seemed  nothing  but  the 
deep  sea  of  matrimony  for  him.  Sweet  looked  upon 
his  rueful  face  and  exclaimed :  ''  Pluck  up  your  cour- 
age, man ;  and  go  and  ask  her.  It  is  not  half  so  seri- 
ous as  you  think  it!  At  the  worst  she  can  only  sa)» 
no." 

"  Ah !  "  thought  Shepard,  "  that  would  be  the  best 
of  it.     But  would  she?  " 

If  he  had  been  sure  of  receiving  "  No,"  he  would 
have  gone  quickly,  but  he  was  afraid,  very  much 
afraid,  she  would  say,  "  Yes." 

"  See !  "  exclaimed  Sweet,  "  Maggie  is  there  now. 
Go  and  ask  her." 

Shepard  turned  his  eyes  to  the  house  and  saw  Miss 
Harland  sweeping  the  porch.  He  gazed  for  a  moment 
and  an  awful  seriousness  came  into  his  face,  then  with- 


The  Orphans.  193 

out  a  word  he  went  to  his  fate.  He  reached  the  porch 
as  Maggie  turned  to  go  into  the  house,  and  caUing  her 
by  her  name  said  quietly :  "  I  wish  to  speak  to  you  for 
a  moment." 

She  glanced  into  his  eyes,  a  little  startled,  turned, 
and  waited  for  him  to  proceed.  She  must  have  known 
what  was  coming,  but  if  it  gave  her  joy  she  did  not 
show  it. 

Shepard  said :  **  Miss  Harland,  I  have  come  to  ask 
you  to  be  my  wife.  We  are  almost  strangers.  We 
know  little  or  nothing  of  each  other,  and  I  cannot 
say  I  love  you.  I  can  make  you  no  promise  for  the 
future.  All  I  can  say  is,  I  will  try  to  do  right.  I  do 
not  know  if  I  am  worthy  of  you,  and  I  do  not  claim 
to  be  better  than  others.  You  may  find  many  better 
than  I.  I  do  not  know  if  I  can  make  you  happy. 
Under  these  conditions,  will  you  become  my  wife  ?  " 

She  answered  quietly  and  simply :  "  Yes,  I  will." 

He  bowed,  and  returned  to  the  shop. 

"  What  was  her  answer  ?  "  asked  Sweet.  "  She 
did  not  refuse  you,  I  know." 

Shepard  shook  his  head  sorrowfully  and  replied : 
"  No,  she  did  not." 

"  When  shall  it  be,  Shepard  ?  You  will  take  her  with 
you  of  course  ?  " 

"  No,  I  cannot  do  so ;  I  must  find  a  home  here  for 
her." 

"  Don't  rent,  Shepard,  but  buy  a  home  of  your  own. 
I  know  of  a  nice  little  place  that  is  for  sale  cheap." 

**  I  have  not  the  money,"  answered  Shepard. 

"  H  you  can  pay  part  of  it,  you  can  get  time  on  the 
rest.     We  will  go  up  to-morrow  and  see  the  place." 

Shepard  went  with  Sweet,  next  day,  and  a  bargain 
was  made  at  once,  and  the  first  payment  made  upon 
the  little  home.  After  it  was  furnished,  there  was  a 
quiet  little  wedding  at  Sweets'  and  Shepard  moved 
home  with  his  bride. 
«3 


194  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

He  was  anxious  to  be  back  to  work,  and  only  re- 
mained home  a  few  days,  then  he  went  south,  intend- 
ing- to  stay  until  the  home  was  paid  for. 

Through  the  winter  he  felt  a  strange  sense  o.f  pity 
for  himself,  for  being  so  weak  as  to  marry  to  please 
his  friend.  Sometimes  he  would  smile  at  his  folly, 
and  many  times  said  to  himself  that  he  was  a  fool, 
a  poor  weak  fool.  But  spring  was  here  now  with  its 
buds  and  blossoms,  and  the  grass  and  flowers  had  a 
new  charm  for  him.  The  birds'  song  was  sweet  to 
him  again,  and  seemed  to  sing  of  love  and  happy 
hearts.  As  he  thought  of  his  lonely  wife  at  home,  his 
heart  gave  a  thrill  of  pity,  and  we  are  cold,  **  pity  is 
akin  to  love." 

Lovely  spring  passed  along  after  blessing  all  with 
her  smiles,  and  then  came  her  regal  sister,  sum- 
mer, with  glowing,  radiant  face,  and  with  her  warm, 
sweet  breath,  she  turned  the  tender  grass  to  fragrant 
hay,  changed  the  scented  blossoms  to  luscious  fruit, 
and  blessed  the  husbandman  with  wealth  of  golden 
grain.  Shepard  turned  his  face  homeward.  The 
home  was  paid  for  now,  and  he  could  go  back  free. 
The  meeting  with  his  wife  was  a  tender  one,  and  as 
she  gazed  upon  him  with  anxious  imploring  eyes,  her 
soul  seemed  calling  from  them  for  sympathy  and  love. 
His  heart  answered  to  her  call,  and  henceforth  she 
was  very  dear  to  him. 

She,  with  her  quiet,  slow  nature,  hardly  realized 
how  dear  she  became  to  him.  The  years  brought 
them  joys,  sorrow,  care  and  troubles,  yet  he  never 
regretted  the  marrying  Maggie.  She  was  not  his 
ideal,  and  perhaps  his  ideal  was  too  lofty  to  exist 
in  this  wicked  world,  but  she  was  self-sacrificing  and 
devoted,  and  they  had  a  greater  measure  of  happiness 
than  thousands  who  marry  for  love. 

We  will  now  return  to  Nevada,  where  we  left  Shep- 
ard in  Mrs.  Stanley's  little  parlor. 


Love  and  Conscience.  195 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

LOVE    AND    CONSCIENCE. 

When  Mrs.  Stanley  returned  home  from  her  visit 
to  the  Beaumonts',  she  went  to  the  parlor  thinking  to 
introduce  Shepard  to  her  daughter,  but  she  found  no 
one  there  but  John,  who  sat  quietly  smoking  his  pipe. 

She  asked  if  Mr.  Shepard  was  around  and  John 
answered :  "  He  has  gone  up  to  the  mine,  mum." 

"  He  must  be  better,  then,"  said  Mrs.  Stanley. 

"  He  didn't  look  like  it,  mum." 

"  Why,  how  did  he  look  ?  " 

"  Well,  mum,  he  looked  like  he'd  seen  the  devil,  and 
he  went  up  the  hill  like  the  devil  was  after  him." 

"  How  you  do  talk,  John,  I  do  not  understand  you." 

"  And  I  don't  understand  it,  mum.  When  I  came 
into  the  room  Mr.  Shepard  was  staring  at  the  ceiling 
like  he  saw  something  startling  there,  and  when  I  bid 
him  good  evening,  he  grabbed  his  hat  and  was  off 
like  a  shot,  and  didn't  even  say,  '  boo.'  If  he  was 
a  drinking  man,  mum,  I  should  think  he  had  'em  in 
his  boots." 

Mrs.  Stanley  looked  from  John  to  Jennie  and  said: 
**  I  hope  there  is  nothing  wrong." 

Jennie  felt  that  she  was  the  innocent  cause  of  this 
man's  strange  action,  and  a  feeling  of  pity  went  out 
to  him,  and  she  felt  a  thrill  of  the  heart  that  was  new 
to  her.  It  was  a  sweet  thrill  of  joy,  but  not  unmixed 
with  sorrow. 

She  glanced  at  John  and  said :  "  Dicj  you  say  he 
went  toward  the  mine  ?  " 


196  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

"  Yes,  Miss,  he  went  right  for  the  mine." 

"  Perhaps  he  forgot  something  there  that  may  be 
dangerous,  and  thinking  of  it,  rushed  off  to  attend 
to  it." 

'*  YouVe  hit  it.  Miss !  "  exclaimed  John,  "  that  must 
be  the  thing  that  gave  him  the  turn." 

Mrs.  Stanley  thought  it  might  be  something  of 
the  kind,  and  no  more  was  said  about  it.  Shepard 
did  not  stop  at  the  mine,  but  went  up  the  mountain, 
and  there  had  a  fierce  battle  with  himself.  He 
thought  of  the  strange  love  that  had  come  over  him ; 
he  felt  it  was  wrong  to  love  another  besides  his  wife, 
and  he  knew  he  ought  to  put  it  from  his  heart,  yet 
he  was  sure  he  would  never  be  able  to  do  so.  He 
thought  of  his  wife  and  the  little  ones  at  home,  but 
they  could  not  drive  this  new  love  from  his  heart,  for 
it  had  come  to  stay  for  ever.  Yet  he  fought  against  it, 
and  after  a  time  he  concluded  to  go  home  and  not  go 
near  the  Stanleys  again.  Then  he  thought  of  Jennie's 
sv/eet  face  and  glorious  eyes,  and  felt  he  could  not  go, 
but  must  see  them  again  if  they  sent  him  to  hell. 

He  got  back  to  Mrs.  Stanley's  as  the  first  streaks 
of  day  came  over  the  hills.  He  was  pale  and  haggard, 
but  had  conquered  himself,  so  he  thought,  and  he  had 
concluded  to  stay  and  devote  himself  to  his  work,  and 
see  as  little  of  Jennie  as  possible.  He  found  John 
making  the  fires,  so  he  said  to  him :  "  You  must  excuse 
me  for  running  off  without  speaking  to  you  last  night. 
You  know  I  have  not  been  feeling  well,  and  last  even- 
ig  I  must  have  been  a  little  light-headed.  I  am  going 
to  turn  in  now,  and  you  need  not  call  me  to  dinner." 

"  All  right,"  replied  John  as  he  turned  to  his  fire 
again.  Yet  at  noon,  Shepard  was  up  and  went  in  to 
dinner  shortly  after  the  call.  Jennie  was  waiting 
upon  the  boarders,  as  Nellie  and  the  other  girl  were 
spending  a  day  at  home. 

Shepard  felt  the  strange,  sweet  influence  again  as 


Love  and  Conscience.  197 

Jennie  passed  in  and  out,  and  he  dared  not  look  at  her. 
He  could  not  trust  himself,  and  he  would  not  have 
those  men  know  he  had  fallen  in  love  with  her  for 
all  the  mines  in  the  place.  When  he  left  the  table 
he  went  to  Hopwood's  and  spent  a  pleasant  afternoon 
with  them. 

As  they  sat  at  supper,  Hopwood  asked  Shepard 
what  he  thought  of  Miss  Stanley. 

"  She  is  lovely,"  replied  Shepard,  "  and  it  seems 
strange  she  should  be  waiting  upon  a  rough  set  of 
miners." 

"  So  it  is !  so  it  is !  "  exclaimed  Hopwood,  "  yet 
there  is  not  one  of  them  but  would  give  his  life  for 
her  if  necessary.  A  lucky  man  will  be  he  that  wins 
Jennie  Stanley,  and  if  I  was  a  little  younger,  and  not 
tied  to  Mrs.  Hopwood,  I  should  try  to  get  her  myself." 

Hopwood  winked  at  Shepard  when  Mrs.  Hopwood 
said :  "  It  would  do  you  no  good  to  try,  for  Jennie  will 
never  marry.  And,  indeed,  I  do  not  blame  her,  for 
there  is  no  one  here  half  good  enough  for  her." 

"  You  see  how  much  my  wife  thinks  of  me,"  said 
Hopwood  with  a  laugh.  "  But  she  is  right,  for  Jennie 
is  certainly  too  good  for  any  one  here." 

As  Shepard  slowly  walked  back  to  the  Stanley 
house,  he  pondered  much  over  his  feelings  since  he 
had  seen  Jennie.  He  knew  he  must  control  them  or 
leave  the  place.  If  he  remained  he  would  see  and  be 
near  her  often,  that  would  indeed  be  sweet,  so  he  de- 
termined to  show  no  signs  of  his  love,  but  keep  it 
hidden  in  his  own  heart. 

It  was  a  lovely  evening,  and  as  he  approached  the 
house  he  saw  Mrs.  Stanley  and  her  daughter  sitting 
on  the  porch  enjoying  the  cool  breeze.  Shepard's  first 
impulse  was  to  avoid  them,  but  a  glance  showed  him 
they  were  looking  toward  him,  and  to  turn  back  now 
would  be  rude  and  foolish.     So  nerving  himself  to  the 


198  An  Old  Dusty  s  Story.  ' 

uttermost,  he  was  up  to  the  porch  and  said :  "  Good 
evening,  ladies." 

*'  Good  evening-,"  answered  both  ladies,  and  Mrs. 
Stanley  added,  ''  I  was  afraid  I  offended  you  in  some 
way  as  you  rushed  off  so  quickly  after  dinner.  I 
wished  to  introduce  you  to  my  daughter,  and  now  take 
pleasure  in  doing  so." 

Shepard  gazed  into  that  sweet  face  again,  and  into 
those  eyes  that  were  like  heaven's  light  to  him.  His 
soul  thrilled  within  him,  and  he  found  her  hand  most 
comforting. 

Turning  toward  Mrs.  Stanley  he  said :  "  I  beg 
pardon  for  being  so  rude,  but  I  did  not  wish  to  intrude 
upon  you." 

They  chatted  pleasantly  until  the  stars  came  out 
and  cast  their  pale  light  over  the  hills.  Then  arose 
the  full  moon  in  its  silvery  splendor,  and  as  its  Hght 
fell  upon  Jennie  she  seemed  like  a  saint  to  Shepard, 
so  good  and  pure  she  appeared. 

Shepard  said  little,  it  was  far  pleasanter  to  listen 
to  Jennie's  sweet  voice.  It  was  the  sweetest  evening 
he  had  ever  known,  and  he  sat  there  long  after  the 
ladies  retired.  He  sat  there  thinking  of  the  barren 
past,  of  his  old  love,  and  of  his  wife.  He  wondered 
how  he  could  have  loved  Annie.  The  years  had  not 
made  her  sainted  in  his  memory,  but  they  had  opened 
his  eyes  and  showed  him  what  a  cold,  inferior  woman 
she  had  been.     She  had  not  one  attribute  of  his  ideal. 

September  had  come,  Shepard  was  on  night  shift, 
and  it  was  to  be  his  last.  Hopwood  was  going  to 
England  and  was  giving  Shepard  charge  of  the  mine. 
He  had  found  Shepard  to  be  steady  and  trusty,  his 
knowledge  of  mining  was  good,  so  he  concluded  to 
let  him  run  the  mine  while  he  took  the  long-desired 
trip  to  the  old  land.  For  the  past  month  he  had  taken 
Shepard  below  daily  so  he  could  learn  his  system  of 


Love  and  Conscience.  199 

mining.  The  new  engineer  would  be  along  in  a  few 
days,  then  he  would  go  and  leave  all  to  Shepard.  It 
was  Friday  evening  and  Shepard,  not  having  much 
to  do,  concluded  to  answer  a  letter  he  had  received 
from  home  two  or  three  days  before.  Going  to  his 
coat,  he  found  he  had  left  his  wife's  letter  in  his  room 
in  his  other  coat  pocket.  Knowing  the  letter  would 
not  go  for  two  days  if  he  missed  the  next  mail,  he 
concluded  to  go  down  to  the  house,  as  there  were  some 
things  in  his  wife's  letter  he  wished  to  look  over 
again. 

So  he  said  to  the  fireman :  "  Look  after  things,  Bill, 
for  I  am  going  away  for  a  short  time." 

It  was  dark  when  he  got  to  the  house,  and  thinking 
he  could  find  the  letter  in  a  moment,  he  went  to  his 
room  without  a  light.  He  groped  his  way  to  the 
closet,  but  he  had  misplaced  the  letter,  and  did  not 
find  it  at  once,  and  while  he  was  feeling  over  his 
pockets,  he  heard  steps  come  into  his  room.  His  coat 
hung  behind  the  closet  door,  and  he  had  almost  closed 
himself  in,  in  his  attempt  to  find  the  letter.  He  saw 
there  was  a  light  in  his  room,  and  before  he  could 
make  himself  known,  he  heard  Mrs.  Stanley  say :  '*  I 
feel  tired,  Jennie,  so  you  arrange  the  room  and  I  will 
rest  a  little." 

He  heard  Jennie's  sweet  voice  as  she  answered : 
"  You  work  too  hard,  mother,  and  ought  to  give  up 
this  life.  It  would  be  best  to  settle  down,  for  I  am 
afraid  we  shall  never  find  him." 

"  Perhaps  you  are  right,"  answered  Mrs.  Stanley, 
"  and  I  begin  to  despair  myself,  but  I  can  never  be 
settled  without  him.  Idleness  would  be  worse  than 
toil,  and  I  should  die  if  I  had  nothing  to  do.  It 
grieves  me  to  drag  you  around  the  world,  but,  love, 
you  will  not  allow  me  to  eo  alone." 

"  No,  mother.  I  shall  never  leave  you,  and  T  was 
not  thinking  of  myself,  but  of  you.     It  is  not  for 


200  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

me  to  complain,  who  has  been  the  cause  of  all  your 
misery.     Where  you  go,  I  go,  no  matter  what  I " 

Jennie  paused  and  did  not  finish  the  sentence,  so 
Mrs.  Stanley  asked:  "  No  matter  what,  my  dear?  " 

Jennie  answered :  '*  No  matter  what  I  suffer." 

*'  Do  you  love  him  so  very  much,  Jennie?  " 

"  Oh,  mother,  it  is  more  than  love,  I  worship  him. 
He  is  dearer  than  life  itself.  I  could  be  content  to  be 
his  slave  and  wait  upon  him.  I  would  care  for  him 
in  sickness,  comfort  him  in  distress,  soothe  his  cares 
away,  and  should  feel  happy  if  he  smiled  upon  me. 
To  become  his  wife  would  be  heaven's  richest  bless- 
ing to  me.  But,  mother,  it  cannot  be,  he  belongs  to 
another.  Yet,  if  he  were  free,  it  could  not  be. 
Dearest  mother!  It  is  sweet  to  be  near  him.  I  never 
dreamed  there  was  such  joy  in  life  for  me,  such  pure 
heavenly  bliss.  He  is  more  to  me  than  all  the  world, 
more  than  all  but  you." 

*'  Jennie,  love,  would  you  always  like  to  have  him 
near  you  ?  " 

"  Oh,  mother,  how  could  it  be  ?  " 

"  I  could  confide  to  him  our  secret,  and  he  could 
assist  us  in  the  search." 

"  No,  mother,  you  must  not  tell  him.  He  would 
despise  me  and  turn  from  me  in  horror.  He  must 
not  know  that  through  my  folly  and  sin  my  brother 
became  a  murderer  and  outcast,  a  wanderer  without 
home  or  friends.  It  will  kill  me  to  part  from  him, 
knowing  I  shall  never  see  him  more,  but  better  to  die 
of  a  broken  heart  and  know  he  loves  me.  Do  not  tell 
him,  mother,  for  it  would  cause  him  to  loathe  me,  and 
I  should  die  from  shame." 

Jennie  sobbed  piteously,  and  as  Shepard  stood  in 
that  dark  closet  his  tears  also  ran  down  his  face. 

Mrs.  Stanley  spoke  again  and  said :  *'  Jennie,  love, 
I  do  not  wish  to  confide  our  secret  to  a  living  soul, 
but  if  it  would  promote  your  happiness  I  would  tell 


Love  and  Conscience.  201 

it  to  him.  He  could  help  us  search,  he  would  be  near 
you,  and  I  could  pay  him  well." 

"  To  have  him  near,  mother,  would  be  to  dwell  in 
Paradise,  but  I  cannot  bear  that  he  should  know  my 
sin,  so  do  not  tell  him." 

*'  Be  it  so,  my  dear,  but  I  do  not  think  you  need 
trouble  over  Mr.  Shepard  despising  you  if  he  should 
learn  of  your  sin.  I  don't  believe  he  would  consider 
you  committed  a  sin,  and  I  think  he  would  have  acted 
as  Jack  did,  if  he  had  been  there.  And  this  is  the 
reason  I  trusted  him,  I  do  not  think  he  would  harm 
you,  but  would  defend  you  with  his  life  if  you  were  in 
danger.  But  as  you  do  not  wish  it,  he  shall  not  know 
of  our  secret.  He  is  only  our  friend,  and  can  be  noth- 
ing more,  but  if  he  were  single  it  might  be  different." 

*'  No,  mother,  he  could  not  be  anything  more  than 
my  friend.  If  he  were  single  and  proposed  marriage 
I  would  not  marry  him.  I  would  not  deceive  him,  and 
I  could  not  reveal  the  past.  When  you  go  on  again, 
Jennie  goes  with  you,  though  she  bears  a  broken 
heart." 

There  was  silence  in  the  room  for  a  few  moments, 
and  Shepard's  heart  beat  painfully  loud.  It  seemed 
to  him  they  must  hear  it  and  discover  his  presence, 
and  it  was  a  relief  to  him  when  Jennie  spoke  again. 
She  said :  "  If  we  could  do  something  for  him,  mother ; 
help  him  out  of  debt  and  start  him  in  business,  so  he 
would  not  have  to  toil  and  struggle  as  in  the  past,  it 
would  comfort  me  greatly.  It  would  console  me  at 
parting  to  know  I  had  been  a  blessing  to  him,  and  it 
would  give  me  joy  to  make  him  happy  and  free." 

**  I  have  proffered  him  assistance,"  said  Mrs. 
Stanley,  **  but  he  would  not  accept  it." 

"  He  is  proud,  mother,  and  would  receive  nothing 
unless  he  could  return  it  with  interest.  We  must  do 
something,  but  he  must  not  know  we  do  it.  He  must 
not  know  where  the  help  comes  from.    Learn  his 


202  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

wants  and  desires,  mother,  so  I  can  see  him  comfort- 
able before  we  leave." 

'*  I  will  do  so,  my  dear,  and  I  will  assist  you  in 
blessing  this  man." 

''  Thank  you,  mother,  but  you  will  please  allow  me 
to  do  it  all.  I  can  well  spare  part  of  my  small  fortune. 
I  shall  not  need  it,  and  it  will  bless  me  to  bless  him 
and  his." 

Mrs.  Stanley  smiled  and  said  gently :  "  I  see  my 
sweet  daughter  is  a  little  selfish  after  all,  and  would 
prevent  me  from  assisting  one  who  has  become  as  dear 
to  me  as  my  son.  We  will  arrange  it,  my  dear,  and 
you  shall  know  he  is  doing  well  before  we  leave." 

''  Bless  you,  mother,  and  may  you  be  made  as  happy 
as  I,  by  finding  Jack." 

Mrs.  Stanley  burst  into  tears  and  sobbed.  "  If  I 
could  only  find  Jack.  Could  only  find  my  son."  Dry- 
ing their  eyes  they  left  the  room,  and  shortly  after- 
ward Shepard  stole  quietly  from  the  house.  His  brain 
was  in  a  whirl,  and  he  many  times  asked  himself: 
"  What  could  it  mean  ?  " 

But  he  was  sure  Jennie  loved  him,  he  had  heard 
her  say  so,  and  his  heart  was  wild  with  rapture.  And 
as  he  hurried  to  the  mine  he  cried :  **  I  despise  her ! 
I  loathe  her !  Oh,  God !  I  love  her  more  than  ever ! 
She  is  all  the  word  to  me !     She  is  my  light  and  life." 

He  became  calmer  toward  morning,  and  thought 
much  of  the  confession  of  love  that  Jennie  had  made 
to  her  mother.  He  asked  himself  why  had  Jack 
committed  murder  and  what  was  Jennie's  sin.  And 
his  heart  answered,  Jennie  never  sinned,  the  angels 
in  heaven  are  not  more  pure  than  she.  When  he 
went  down  the  hill  in  the  morning  there  was  a  greater 
tenderness  in  his  heart  for  Jennie,  and  he  said  to  him- 
self :  "  What  a  poor,  selfish  thing  is  man,  and  how  in- 
capable of  woman's  pure  self-sacrifice." 

He  retired  to  his  room,  that  room  now  sacred  to 


Love  and  Conscience.  203 

him,  for  here  Jennie  had  poured  out  her  love.  There 
she  had  said  she  worshiped  him.  He  felt  it  would 
be  sweet  to  die  now,  for  life  would  never  bring  him 
greater  happiness.  He  arose  late  in  the  afternoon,  his 
heart  trembling  with  joy.  He  felt  it  sweet  to  be  loved 
by  such  a  charming  woman  as  Jennie. 

When  he  went  to  the  parlor,  Mrs.  Stanley  greeted 
him  most  kindly,  and  said :  '*  You  have  slept  long 
to-day,  and  must  have  worked  hard  last  night. 
Would  you  not  like  some  business  better  that  gave  you 
no  night  work  ?  " 

**  It  would  be  pleasanter,"  answered  Shepard,  "  but 
I  have  no  choice  at  present,  and  must  make  the  best  of 
it.*' 

"  Do  you  not  know  of  a  good  mill  site,"  asked 
Mrs.  Stanley,  *'  where  a  mill  is  needed.  I  have  a  little 
money  I  would  like  to  invest  in  a  good  business,  and 
if  the  management  of  such  a  business  would  suit  you 
better  than  mining,  I  would  invest  if  I  was  sure  it 
was  safe." 

**  I  do  not  know  of  any  such  place,"  answered  Shep- 
ard, "  and  1  could  not  take  the  management  of  any- 
thing of  the  kind,  for  I  have  hired  to  Hopwood  for  a 
year." 

"  I  do  not  mean  that  you  should  leave  Hopwood 
now,  but  if  at  the  end  of  the  year  you  should  wish  to 
take  hold  of  anything  of  the  kind  I  shall  be  glad  to 
invest." 

"  I  thank  you,"  said  Shepard,  "  and  I  will  think  the 
matter  over." 

He  then  went  up  to  the  mine,  and  as  he  slowly 
ascended  the  hill  he  felt  very  grateful  to  these  new 
friends,  but  felt  he  could  take  nothing  from  them.  He 
wished  from  his  heart  he  could  repay  them  for  their 
good  will.  He  would  readily  help  them  in  the  search 
for  the  lost  one,  but  dare  not  tell  them  he  knew  their 
secret.    The  night  work  was  over  now,  for  Hopwood 


204  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

had  gone,  and  Shepard  had  full  control  of  the  mine. 
He  was  confined  to  business  a  little  more  closely,  but 
still  had  time  for  some  charming  rides,  made  more 
dear  and  charming  than  ever,  for  when  the  winter 
came  he  knew  they  must  end. 

Shepard  gave  much  thought  to  the  offer  made  by 
Mrs.  Stanley.  She  had  said  she  would  invest  her 
money,  and  give  him  charge  of  the  business,  and  he 
asked  himself  if  that  would  keep  them  near  him.  He 
was  afraid  it  would  not.  If  they  heard  nothing  of 
the  lost  one  they  would  no  doubt  leave  in  the  spring, 
and  perhaps  he  should  never  see  them  again.  The 
thought  gave  him  much  sorrow,  for  he  could  not  bear 
to  part  from  them. 

Then  flashed  through  his  mind  the  question :  *'  Why 
not  induce  them  to  invest  in  some  of  the  mines  ?  " 
His  heart  thrilled  at  the  thought,  and  he  said  to  him- 
self :  "  That  is  the  very  thing !  But  it  must  be  a  mine 
that  will  pay,  for  I  would  not  have  them  lose  a  dollar. 
I  cannot  keep  them  here  for  ever,  but  I  may  prolong 
their  stay." 

Shepard  then  began  the  study  of  the  mines  and  their 
formation.  He  found  the  Silver  Star  Mine  of  great 
assistance.  He  found  it  to  be  a  true  fissure,  and  he 
concluded  there  were  other  mines  on  the  same  vein 
as  good  if  they  were  only  developed.  He  examined 
them  closely,  and  mquired  if  they  were  for  sale.  Some 
of  the  owners  would  sell,  but  he  found  they  held 
their  claims  outrageously  high.  He  -had  about  given 
up  the  thought  of  mines,  when  he  was  informed  there 
was  a  good-looking  prospect  to  be  sold  for  cost  of 
work  upon  it,  but  it  was  out  of  the  mineral  belt.  He 
went  to  see  it  and  found  it  about  a  mile  and  a  half 
from  the  Silver  Star  Mine.  The  claim  was  located 
at  the  foot  of  some  low  hills,  and  across  a  large  canon 
from  the  mineral  belt,  and  was  the  only  prospect  to 
be  found  on  that  side.     Shepard  looked  it  over  care- 


Love  and  Conscience.  205 

fully,  and  concluded  it  was  no  good.  He  would  have 
left  at  once,  but  the  owners  detained  him,  and  dwelt 
upon  the  merits  of  the  claim. 

Shepard  listened,  but  with  no  intention  of  buying. 
He  was  willing  they  should  talk,  for  it  would  in  a 
measure  satisfy  them  for  the  trouble  they  had  taken 
to  show  him  around.  One  of  them  said :  "  You  can 
have  the  mine  for  two  thousand  dollars,  and  that  is 
much  below  cost." 

"  I  do  not  doubt  it,"  said  Shepard,  "  still  the  claim 
is  not  worth  half  the  money.  Your  prospect  was 
worth  more,  and  you  could  have  sold  better  when  you 
first  struck  it.  Don't  you  see  your  vein  is  running  out 
of  the  hill,  and  you  will  see  daylight  in  fifty  feet? 
The  vein  in  our  tunnel  is  about  pinched  out,  and  so  it 
is  in  your  shaft.  Your  ore  is  all  on  top,  and  not 
much  there." 

The  men  said  nothing,  they  knew  it  was  only  too 
true.  But  as  Shepard  finished  speaking  a  thought 
flashed  through  his  mind  that  startled  him.  It  oc- 
curred to  him  that  this  might  not  be  the  vein  at  all,  but 
only  a  spur  from  it.  He  told  the  men  he  would  see 
them  again,  and  left.  But  they  did  not  believe  him, 
and  felt  sure  he  would  not  call  again. 

Shepard  went  back  to  the  Silver  Star  in  a  deep 
study.  He  felt  there  might  be  something  in  this  idea, 
and  was  satisfied  if  this  was  only  a  spur  from  the  vein 
proper,  the  vein  itself  would  contain  ore  if  he  could 
find  it.  He  took  the  bearings  of  the  Silver  Star,  and 
then  for  three  days  examined  the  mountain.  On  the 
evening  of  the  third  day  he  stood  on  the  mountain 
looking  down  into  the  caiion,  and  at  the  hills  on  the 
other  side.  They  were  lower  and  flatter  than  the 
mountain  he  stood  upon,  and  if  these  ledges  con- 
tinued they  were  covered  on  the  other  side.  Accord- 
inir  to  his  bearing  the  Silver  Star  ledge  was  eight  or 
nine  hundred  feet  above  the  claim  on  the  other  side, 


2o6  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

and  Shepard  became  convinced  that  the  claim  was  only 
a  spur.  He  went  down  and  over  to  the  claim,  and 
reached  there  as  the  men  were  leaving  work.  They 
were  surprised  to  see  him,  and  readily  took  him 
through  the  mine,  when  Shepard  informed  them  he 
would  like  to  examine  it  again,  tie  looked  through 
every  part  closely,  but  in  fact  was  only  interested  in 
the  hundred  and  fifty  feet  of  tunnel.  That  was  run- 
ning in  the  right  direction,  and  though  the  seam  had 
pinched  for  the  last  thirty  feet,  Shepard  thought  it 
was  pretty  sure  to  hold  its  own  now. 

He  shook  his  head  as  he  turned  away  from  the  face, 
and  said: 

**  There  is  rather  a  slim  showing,  boys,  but  I  will 
give  it  another  night's  study,  and  let  you  know  to- 
morrow what  I  will  do." 

Shepard  had  a  long  talk  that  evening  with  Mrs. 
Stanley.  After  stating  the  case,  he  said :  "  Of  course 
it  is  not  certain  the  ledge  is  there,  and  if  it  is,  it  is 
still  uncertain  if  it  contains  ore.  All  I  can  say  js  the 
ledge  ought  to  be  there,  and  ought  to  carry  ore.  If 
I  had  money  I  would  buy  and  risk  it." 

Mrs.  Stanley  asked  him  if  he  would  take  half  in- 
terest, a!nd  Shepard  said  he  could  not  do  so,  for  had 
not  the  money  to  pay  for  it. 

Mrs.  Stanley  replied :  '*  I  know  nothing  of  mines, 
but  I  have  full  confidence  in  your  judgment  and 
honesty,  so,  if  you  will  take  half  interest  I  will  give 
you  the  money  to  buy  the  mine,  and  you  can  pay  me 
for  your  half  at  the  end  of  the  year,  and  if  you  should 
not  be  able  to  do  so  then,  I  will  let  it  go  another.  We 
will  each  pay  half  the  working  expenses,  and  you  can 
mana|2:e  it." 

"What  interest  w^ill  you  require?"  asked  Shepard. 

"  Don't  mention  interest,  Mr.  Shepard,  I  would  not 
take  any  from  you.     If  you  are  willing  to  take  the 


Love  and  Conscience.  207 

money  on  those  terms,  we  will  buy  the  mine  to- 
morrow." 

Shepard  thought  for  some  time,  and  was  still  un- 
decided when  Mrs.  Stanley  ended  the  subject  by  say- 
ing :  "  It  is  a  bargain ;  you  shall  have  the  money  in  the 
morning,  and  I  hope  for  your  sake  that  it  will  be  a 
fortunate  investment.  And  if  it  should  not  prove  to 
be  so,  you  will  hear  no  complaint  from  me,  for  I  can 
assure  you  the  loss  will  not  hurt  me." 

Next  day  Shepard  bought  the  mine,  and  recorded  it 
under  a  new  name.  Mrs.  Stanley  got  up  a  little  sup- 
per that  evening  and  invited  the  Beaumonts.  When 
they  arrived  she  said :  "  Mr.  Shepard,  Jennie  and  I 
have  bought  a  mine,  so  I  concluded  to  have  a  small 
supper  over  it." 

When  the  wine  was  ser  ed,  John  arose  and  said: 

"  I  wish  success  to  the "     He  stopped  suddenly 

and  then  said  with  a  laugh:  "  I'm  blamed  if  I  know 
the  name.     What  do  you  call  it,  Mr.  Shepard?  " 

"  The  Stanley  Mine,"  answered  Shepard. 

"  Ah !  "  exclaimed  John,  '*  I  drink  to  that  name  with 
the  greatest  satisfaction,  and  I  speak  success  for  the 
mine.  That  name  has  had  bad  luck  for  a  long  time, 
but  it  will  change  and  you  will  be  a  rich  man,  Mr. 
Shepard." 

John  spoke  earnestly  and  as  he  closed  Shepard  said : 
"  I  feel  you  are  right,  John.  That  name  will  bring 
fortune,  and  may  it  also  bring  peace,  joy  and  happi- 
ness to  all." 

"  Amen !  "  exclaimed  John. 

The  Beaumonts  were  somewhat  surprised  at  John's 
earnestness,  and  Mrs.  Beaumont,  thinking  it  had  ref- 
erence to  Mrs.  Stanley's  mode  of  living,  said :  "  I 
hope  you  will  make  a  paying  mine  out  of  it,  Mr. 
Shepard,  for  I  should  like  to  see  my  friends  able  to 
live  comfortably  without  keeping  a  boarding-house. 
You  must  excuse  me,  Mrs.  Stanley,  for  I  cannot  help 


2o8  An  Old  Dusty^s  Story. 

saying  it  is  a  shame  that  yourself  and  Jennie  should 
have  to  cook  for  and  wait  upon  a  rough  set  of  miners. 
So,  I,  too,  drink  success  to  the  Stanley  Mine." 

The  following  day,  Shepard  had  a  long  talk  with 
Mrs.  Stanley  and  Jennie  in  regard  to  working  the 
mine,  and  it  ended  by  Mrs.  Stanley  saying :  ''  Run  the 
mine  to  suit  yourself,  and  employ  all  the  men  you 
need.  You  can  call  upon  me  at  any  time  for  what 
money  you  may  require." 

Shepard  replied :  *'  I  think  two  men  are  all  we  need 
at  present.  I  will  drive  the  tunnel  in  to  where  the  vein 
should  be.  The  ground  is  not  hard,  so  a  man  can 
go  along  quite  fast  single-handed.  I  wll  work  two 
shifts  and  each  man  can  run  out  his  own  dirt  at 
present,  and  when  they  get  in  some  further  I  will  put 
on  a  carman  to  run  out  the  waste.  Would  you  not 
like  to  go  over  and  see  the  mine  ?  " 

Mrs.  Stanley  and  Jennie  said  it  would  please  them 
to  see  it,  and  they  knew  Mrs.  Beaumont  and  Viola 
would  also  like  to  go.  So  Shepard  drove  them  over 
next  day,  and  whi'e  they  were  chatting  on  the  dump 
one  of  the  old  owners  came  over  and  asked  Shepard  if 
he  intended  to  commence  work  at  once. 

Shepard  answered :  ''  I  will  start  up  in  a  day  or 
two.  I  shall  only  work  two  men  at  present,  and  may 
send  them  from  the  Silver  Star  until  I  find  men  to 
suit  me." 

"  I  would  like  to  work  for  you,"  said  the  old  owner, 
"  and  will  work  hard,  too.  If  any  one  can  find  ore 
I  think  I  can." 

"  All  right,"  said  Shepard,  "  you  can  start  to  work 
in  the  morning.  1  do  not  intend  to  look  for  ore  in 
the  old  workings  at  present,  but  will  run  the  tunnel 
into  the  mountain.  I  have  an  idea  your  work  is  on  a 
spur  from  the  vein,  so  I  will  follow  it  into  the  hill 
to   where   I   think  the  vein  should  be,   and  if  that 


Love  and  Conscience.  ^o() 

ore  seam  does  not  pinch  out  I  shall  run  a  thousand 
feet  on  it  before  I  give  up." 

"  Where  did  you  get  that  idea  ?  "  asked  the  former 
owner.     "  Who  gave  it  to  you  ?  " 

"  No  one.  It  is  my  own.  It  came  to  me  after  I  had 
examined  your  mine  and  come  to  the  conclusion  it 
was  no  good.  When  I  left  you  I  studied  the  forma- 
tion and  the  trend  of  the  principal  veins  in  camp 
and  concluded  I  was  right,  and  on  the  strength  of 
that  opinion  we  bought  your  mine.  What  do  you 
think  of  it?" 

"  I  think  you  are  right,  and  I  see  we  have  been 
damned  fools  in  working  as  we  have.  If  I  had  got 
your  idea  I  would  not  have  sold,  but  as  poor  as  I 
am  I  would  have  followed  that  streak  and  found 
where  it  led  to." 

Shepard  smiled  and  said :  "  Well,  if  you  do  good 
honest  work  you  may  yet  find  if  it  leads  to  the  vein. 
For  the  present  you  will  be  your  own  boss,  for  I 
cannot  be  here  myself,  but  I  shall  ride  over  nearly 
every  evening  to  see  how  it  looks.  You  can  start  to 
work  at  eight  o'clock,  take  an  hour  for  dinner  and 
quit  at  five  o'clock.  I  think  eight  hours  is  enough 
for  a  man  to  work.  Of  course  I  mean  hard,  honest 
work,  from  the  time  you  go  on  until  you  come  ofT. 
I  do  not  expect  or  want  you  to  sit  around  part 
of  the  time,  as  many  miners  do,  wishing  it  was  quit- 
ting time.  When  on  night  shift  you  will  go  on  at 
five  o'clock,  take  an  hour  for  supper,  and  go  off  at 
two  o'clock." 

"  I  would  rather  go  on  at  seven  o'clock  and  off  at 
three  o'clock,  for  I  get  up  early  and  would  have 
to  wait  around  an  hour  longer  before  going  to  work." 

"  No  need  to  wait  around,"  said  Shepard.    "  If  you 

are  up  early  take  a  walk  around  the  fields  and  hear 

the  birds  sing,     ff  you  have  a  garden,  go  out  and 

pull   the   wcciK.   .'iikI    dig  what   potatoes   your   wife 

H 


210  An  Old  Dusty  s  Story. 

needs,  carry  over  what  water  she  wants,  and  do 
the  chores  to  give  you  an  appetite  for  breakfast.  If 
you  do  this  you  will  enjoy  your  food  more,  and  it 
will  do  you  more  good  than  going  from  your  bed 
to  the  breakfast  table.  I  think  it  would  be  better  for 
the  workingmen,  and  for  their  wives,  too,  if  they 
were  not  compelled  to  go  to  work  before  eight  o'clock. 
If  they  were  not,  they  could  enjoy  the  lovely  morning's, 
and  do  many  a  little  thing  for  their  wives  to  lighten 
their  labor,  which  now  in  their  hurry  to  get  to  work 
they  never  think  of.  In  the  winter  the  extra  morning 
hour  in  bed  would  be  agreeable  to  most  men." 

"  Don't  you  think  a  half  hour  would  be  long  enough 
to  eat  lunch  in  when  on  night  shift  ?  " 

"  Yes,"  answered  Shepard,  ''  a  half  hour  is  long 
enough  to  eat,  and  I  think  you  would  feel  better  to  rest 
half  an  hour  after  eating  before  going  to  work.  Per- 
haps these  ideas  are  new  to  you,  yet  I  have  had  them 
for  years,  and  if  I  strike  anything  good  here  I  will 
work  my  men  that  way.  I  believe  it  will  pay  to  do 
so.  I  shall  allow  my  men  to  board  where  they  please, 
but  if  it  is  necessary  to  keep  a  boarding-house,  I 
will  do  away  with  the  lunch  bucket  and  have  the 
men  come  to  supper  at  nine  o'clock.  There  need  be 
little  extra  work  for  the  cook,  for  the  tea  and  coffee 
and  meat  could  be  put  on  the  stove  to  keep  warm, 
and  it  would  be  no  more  trouble  next  morning  to 
wash  a  few  dishes  than  washing  the  lunch  buckets. 
I  think  if  this  was  done  where  the  boarding-house 
is  at  the  mine  the  men  would  appreciate  it  and  do 
more  work.  I  can  truly  say  there  is  nothing  lost  by 
treating  workingmen  well,  and  I  have  seen  much  loss 
when  they  have  been  treated  badly.  You  will  under- 
stand from  what  I  have  said  that  I  want  a  good, 
honest  day's  work  done,  but  do  not  think  I  am  a 
nigger  driver.  I  would  treat  you  so  well  that  you 
would  drive  yourself  without  any  scolding  or  pushing 


Love  and  Conscience.  iff 

from  me.  I  will  pay  the  same  wages  as  the  other 
mines  and  pay  on  the  fifth  of  each  month." 

Shepard  went  to  the  ladies,  who  had  gathered  at 
the  mouth  of  the  tunnel,  and,  lighting  candles,  showed 
them  around,  after  which  they  rode  home  at  a  spank- 
ing rate,  feeling  pleased  with  their  trip.  At  the  end 
of  two  weeks  the  seam  in  the  tunnel  had  pinched  to 
two  inches  and  did  not  show  a  speck  of  ore.  But 
at  the  pinch  they  struck  a  good  foot  wall,  and  the 
hanging  being  decomposed,  it  was  easily  worked. 
Shepard  felt  no  way  discouraged,  for  he  was  pretty 
sure  the  seam  would  pinch  no  closer  and  the  iron  it 
contained   showed   finely   for  ore. 

He  had  made  a  new  strike  in  the  Silver  Star  and 
was  quite  elated  over  it.  Two  of  the  owners  from 
California,  having  been  East,  stopped  over  a  few  days 
and  came  to  see  the  mine.  They  were  much  pleased 
with  it,  and  on  returning  home  would  have  Shepard 
go  as  far  as  the  railroad  with  them. 

It  was  Saturday,  so  Shepard  concluded  he  would 
not  return  until  Sunday  evening.  He  informed  Mrs. 
Stanley  and  then  went  off  with  the  owners. 

They  got  to  the  railroad  early,  and  the  owners,  find- 
ing some  California  friends  there,  they  all  had  a  jolly 
time.  They  took  a  spin  around  after  supper,  and 
the  Californians  set  them  up  so  fast,  that  Shepard 
found  they  would  down  him  unless  he  got  away. 

He  had  finished  all  business  with  the  mine  owners, 
so  having  nothing  to  detain  him  he  took  the  first 
chance  to  slip  away  from  them.  He  thought  to  go 
to  bed  at  once,  but  concluded  to  arrange  for  a  horse, 
so  he  could  leave  at  daylight.  As  he  went  toward 
the  stable  a  great  homesickness  came  over  him,  and 
he  longed  to  be  back  in  his  little  room  at  the  Stan- 
leys\ 

Then  the  question  flashed  through  his  mind,  "  Why 


:^I2  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

can't  I  ^o  home  now?  What  use  to  stay  here?  They 
will  want  me  to  drink  more  in  the  morning." 

He  hired  a  horse  and  agreed  to  send  it  back  by  the 
stage  on  Monday,  and  in  fifteen  minutes  was  on  h's 
way  home.  Not  on  his  way  home  to  Utah,  for  he 
■.ardly  thought  of  that  home  now,  but  to  the  Stanley 
house,  the  only  home  he  cared  for.  In  his  haste  to 
be  there  he  drove  his  spurs  into  the  horse's  flanks  so 
suddenly,  that  he  was  nearly  thrown  as  the  horse 
bounded  on.  As  it  was  he  lost  his  hat,  and  by  his  ut- 
termost strength  could  not  stop  the  horse  to  regain  it. 

"  Fool !  "  exclaimed  Shepard,  but  whether  he  meant 
the  horse  or  himself,  for  so  wickedly  s  riking  a  strange 
beast,  would  be  hard  to  tell.  Shepard  became  tired 
of  pulling  on  the  bit,  so  he  gave  the  horse  the  reins 
and  allowed  him  to  rush  on  through  the  darkness. 
Shepard  was  so  intent  upon  keeping  his  seat  that  he 
did  not  look  ahead  for  a  long  time,  and  when  he 
did  look  up  he  was  surprised  to  see  lights  in  the 
distance. 

Those  lights  he  knew  were  at  the  town  of  V , 

and  he  wondered  how  he  had  gotten  over  that  long, 
dreary  road  so  quickly.  When  he  reached  town  he 
saw  a  light  at  the  stables,  so  he  rode  up  and  called  for 
the  hostler,  who  upon  seeing  the  horse  exclaimed: 
"  By  gad,  you  have  put  him  through,  and  he  looks 
like  he'd  been  drawn  through  a  knot  hole.  Where  is 
your  hat  ? " 

"  I  lost  it,"  replied  Shepard,  "  and  I  could  not  stop 

the  horse  to  turn  back  for  it.     I  spurred  him  rather 

•  severely,  not  minding  just  what  I  was  doing,  and  he 

nearly  threw  me,  and  I  am  glad  he  did  not  leave  me 

behind  as  well  as  the  hat." 

"  You  did  well  to  stay  with  him,  for  he  is  a  devil 
to  go  if  you  make  him  mad." 

Shepard  left  the  stable  and  walked  slowly  home. 
On   Saturday  night  John  generally   left  the  sitting- 


Love  and  Conscience.  ^13 

room  door  loose  and  the  light  turned  down,  and  more 
than  one  tipsy  boarder  coming  home  late  had  spent 
the  night  there.  Shepard  opened  the  door  and  put 
his  head  in  to  see  if  there  was  any  one  within,  and 
was  surprised  to  see  the  dining-room  door  open.  He 
concluded  John  was  around  yet  and  maybe  was  taking 
a  bite  before  he  turned  in.  The  ride  had  made  Shep- 
ard hungry,  so  he  went  through  the  dining-room  and 
into  the  kitchen  and  then  saw  a  light  in  the  buttery, 
so  he  threw  the  door  wide  open  and  stepped  in. 

But  instead  of  finding  John,  as  he  expected,  he  saw 
Jennie  sitting  before  him  with  a  pie  on  her  lap.  Her 
large,  brown  eyes  brightened  when  she  saw  who  had 
entered,  and  she  said  with  a  smile :  "  Why,  Mr.  Shep- 
ard, you  are  back  early." 

Shepard  felt  as  he  had  felt  once  before,  and  he 
could  not  speak,  but  stood  gazing  at  her  as  if  fas- 
cinated. Divining  his  object  in  coming  to  the  buttery 
she  said  sweetly :  "  I  suppose  you  have  come  for  some 
of  your  favorite  mutton  pie.  It  is  all  gone  but  this 
small  piece,  please  take  it." 

Jennie  arose  and  held  the  plate  toward  him.  Then 
Shepard  found  his  voice  and  stammered :  "  I — I 
couldn't  take  it  from  you.  I  am  sure  you — you  are 
very  kind,  but  I  am  not  hungry  now  and  do  not  wish 
anything,  thank  you." 

Jennie  smiled  at  his  embarrassment  and  said  coax- 
incrly :  **  Do  take  it,  I  know  you  can  eat  it." 

"  r>cg  your  pardon,"  answered  Shepard,  "but  I 
cannot  take  it.  I  could  not  eat  it,  for  I  have  only 
just  come  from  supper." 

Jennie  was  inclined  to  laugh  and  there  was  a  merry 
light  in  her  eyes  as  she  said :  "  You  are  stubborn  and 
do  not  deserve  any  pie,  but  I  know  you  came  for  it, 
so  take  it/* 

As  she  finished  speaking  she  extended  the  plate 
toward  him  with  a  quick,  impatient  motion  that  elec- 


514  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

trifled  and  seemed  to  set  him  on  fire.  Quick  as  a 
flash  he  sprang  forward  and  clasped  her  in  his  arms 
and  covered  her  face  with  kisses.  He  seized  her  so 
suddenly  that  the  plate  flew  from  her  hand  and  she 
was  too  astonished  to  speak  or  resist. 

Folding  her  tight  to  his  heart  he  cried :  "  O,  Jennie, 
O,  love.  O,  sweet,  thou  are  mine,  my  own  dear  love. 
Thou  art  the  hope  of  my  soul  and  my  life  is  barren 
without  thee.  My  heart  is  thine,  you  have  all'  my 
love,  and  you  love  me  in  return ;  then  why  should  we 
live  on  with  longing,  aching  hearts.  Be  mine,  Jennie, 
and  let  us  fly — fly  away  on  the  wings  of  night  to  some 
land  where  we  may  be  happy.  I  will  devote  my  life 
to  thee.  All  shall  be  joy  and  gladness,  the  misery 
of  the  past  shall  be  buried  in  oblivion,  and  thou  shalt 
reign  the  blessed  and  worshiped  queen  of  my  home. 
Let  us  go  this  hour.  I  have  done  one  wild  ride  to- 
night, but  it  shall  be  slow  compared  to  the  speed  of 
our  flight.  The  wind  shall  not  be  more  swift ;  nothing 
shall  overtake  us,  nothing  shall  bring  us  back,  and 
nothing  shall  part  us  until  death.  O,  love,  Vie  will 
be  so  sweet  and  dear  with  thee !  Come,  we  will  seek 
some  safe  retreat,  where  song  of  bird,  scented  flowers, 
and  bubbling  rills  shall  give  melody,  fragrance  and 
music  to  our  home." 

He  paused  and  Jennie  said  quietly :  "  Please  let  me 
go,  Mr.  Shepard,  you  hurt  me." 

He  looked  into  her  sweet  face  and  saw  she  was  in 
great  pain  and  the  tears  streaming  from  her  eyes. 
He  felt  something  hard  against  his  breast  that  he  had 
not  noticed  until  then,  and  his  heart  smote  him,  for  he 
that  would  have  saved  her  from  all  pain,  had  been  tor- 
turing her.  Instinct  told  him  what  the  hard  sub- 
stance was  that  lay  hidden  in  her  breast.  Releasing 
her  gently  he  kissed  her  with  great  tenderness,  and 
stood  before  her  with  a  world  of  pity  in  his  sad  eves. 

His  strong,  mad  clasp  had  broken  the  fastenings 


Love  and  Conscience.  215 

of  her  dress,  and  something  gleamed  from  the  open- 
ing. He  carefully  drew  it  forth  and  found  it  to  be  a 
pistol  of  fine  workmanship,  and  at  a  glance  saw  it 
was  no  toy  but  that  it  was  made  to  kill.  There  was 
a  spot  of  blood  on  the  hammer  and  Shepard  felt  he 
was  a  brute  for  pressing  it  into  her  tender  flesh.  He 
took  hold  of  the  barrel,  and  placing  his  other  hand 
upon  her  shoulder  he  looked  into  her  loved  eyes  and 
said:  "If  it  is  an  eye  for  an  eye,  and  a  tooth  for 
a  tooth,  it  should  also  be  blood  for  blood.  Here  is 
your  pistol,  revenge  yourself." 

Jennie  took  the  pistol  from  his  hand,  laid  it  jpon 
a  shelf,  and  then  sank  into  her  chair,  her  breast 
heaving  with  great  agitation.  He  stood  before  her 
with  a  grave,  white  face  and  tears  in  his  eyes.  He 
gazed  down  upon  her  and  she  up  at  him,  half  blinded 
by  her  own  glittering  tears. 

When  she  recovered  her  composure  she  said  in 
tones  of  heavenly  sweetness :  "  Perhaps  it  is  best  that 
we  understand  each  other  more  fully.  It  is  true  I 
love  you,  and  I  would  do  any  honorable  thing  to  make 
you  happy.  But  I  could  not  go  away  with  you,  and 
indeed  you  do  not  wish  it.  You  have  merely  forgotten 
yourself  for  a  moment  and  would  not  have  me  fly 
away  with  you,  for  you  know  I  could  not  make  you 
happy.  If  I  went  with  you,  how  would  you  feel  when 
you  thought  of  your  deserted  wife  and  family?  How 
would  you  feel  when  you  thought  of  my  mother  and 
the  wrong  you  had  done  to  her?  I  know  how  you 
would  feel,  and  I  know  the  thought  of  it  would  kill 
you  with  shame  and  sorrow.  Dear  friend,  when  this 
madness  passes  from  you.  you  will  grieve  over  what 
you  have  said  and  be  very  sorry.  lUit  I  shall  forgive 
you.  I  forgive  you  now,  yet  love  you  too  well  to  allow 
you  to  do  wrong,  and  I  could  not  bear  to  see  you  do 
anvthing  dishonorable.  I  know  you  to  be  a  good 
man,  struggling  to  live  an  ideal  life,  and  I  love  you 


2i6  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

for  it,  and  I  would  raise  you  higher,  not  drag  you 
down.  You  are  the  dearest  one  in  all  the  world  to 
me.  My  heart  has  been  yours  from  the  first ;  it  leaped 
to  you  with  joy  and  I  could  not  hold  it  back.  Of  its 
own  accord  it  enshrined  you  and  made  you  its  idol, 
and  my  idol  must  not  be  a  broken  one.  My  love 
bids  me  help  you  to  be  a  man  and  lead  you  toward  the 
perfection  you  seek.  So  we  can  be  nothing  more  than 
friends,  though  our  love  be  greater  than  the  love 
of  husband  and  wife.  God  knows,  if  it  were  possible, 
I  would  willingly  be  your  slave,  but  it  is  not,  so  our 
love  must  be  confined  to  the  heart,  and  to  me  it  is 
the  sweetest  thing  in  all  the  world.  Do  not  grieve 
because  you  are  tied  to  another.  If  you  were  free 
you  could  not  be  nearer  or  dearer  than  now.  Do  not 
think  you  are  bound  to  an  inferior  woman,  and  do 
not  think  me  a  superior  one.  Perhaps,  if  you  knew 
my  history,  you  would  shudder  at  thought  of  me,  and 
thank  the  Lord  for  the  wife  you  have." 

''Do  not  deceive  yourself,  Jennie,"  exclaimed  Shep- 
ard,  ''  I  know  something  of  your  past  life,  of  that  dark 
deed,  and  of  your  desire  to  find  him.  But  it  does  not 
change  my  love ;  nothing  can  change  it,  and  I  love  you 
more  for  your  sorrow." 

At  his  words,  Jennie  sprang  to  her  feet,  her  large 
eyes  wild  with  fright  as  she  gasped :  *'  You  know  of 
the  past  ?    O,  God  !  how  did  you  learn  it  ?  " 

She  shook  like  an  aspen  and  would  have  fallen  had 
not  Shepard  taken  her  in  his  arms.  He  pressed  her  to 
his  breast  and  felt  her  heart  beating  against  his  own, 
and  holding  her  thus  he  said :  ''  Calm  yourself,,  dar- 
ling, you  must  not  fear  me,  for  I  would  die  to  serve 
you.  I  learned  your  secret  by  accident  on  the  night 
you  told  your  mother  of  your  great  love  for  me.  I 
was  in  the  closet  seeking  a  letter  at  the  time  and  heard 
all." 

Jennie  sobbed  bitterly,  and  he  with  loving  tender- 


Love  and  Conscience.  217 

ness  kissed  her  tears  away.  She  lay  her  head  upon 
his  shoulder  and  a  heavenly  sense  of  peace  and  rest 
came  to  her  aching  heart,  her  grief  and  fear  passed 
away  and  looking  into  his  eyes  she  asked :  "  Do  you 
still  love  me  after  learning  that  I  am  the  cause  of 
my  brother  committing  murder?" 

**  Love  you?  "  cried  Shepard.  "  O,  God!  it  is  more 
than  love.  It  is  adoration.  It  is  reverence.  It  is 
worship.  It  is  what  the  devotee  gives  to  his  God.  It 
is  with  the  same  feeling  that  causes  him  to  bear  with 
patience,  and  even  joy,  poverty,  injustice,  obloquy,  dis- 
grace, sneers,  torture,  fire  and  death.  I,  too,  could 
have  borne  this  for  my  God,  but  I  could  not  find  him. 
I  searched  in  vain,  and  groping  in  the  dark  I  find  thee. 
And  thou  being  the  best,  the  purest,  and  the  sweetest 
of  all  His  handiwork,  I  bow  down  to  thee  and  give 
thee  all.  I  love  thee  with  my  heart,  my  soul,  with 
all  my  being,  for  thou  art  my  sweet  ideal,  the  heavenly 
being  my  soul  has  been  yearning  for  through  all  the 
years.  Thou  art  my  happiness,  my  earth,  my  heaven! 
My  soul's  purer  soul,  my  light  and  life,  my  only  joy 
and  blessing !  All  ever  man  sacrificed  for  God  I  could 
sacrifice  for  thee.  For  thee  I  could  bear  the  lash,  the 
dungeon,  starvation  and  death.  O,  my  dark-eyed  love, 
whence  comes  thy  ineflfable  sweetness,  thy  indefinable 
power  with  its  peace  and  rest?  Why  does  thy  touch 
thrill  through  all  my  being,  filling  my  soul  with 
heaven's  ecstasy?  O!  sweet  soul,  with  heaven's  love 
shining  from  thy  dark  orbs,  lighting  thy  holy  face 
with  the  radiance  of  dawn,  look  upon  me  in  pity  and 
lead  me  from  darkness  into  glorious  light  I  " 

Waiting  for  no  more,  Jennie  flung  her  arms  about 
his  neck  and  gave  him  one  long,  clinging,  passionate 
kiss,  that  seemed  to  draw  his  soul  to  her  own,  then 
she  drew  away  from  him,  leaving  him  quivering  with 
unspeakable  joy. 

Raising  her  eyes  toward  heaven  she  exclaimed:  "  O, 


2i8  An  Old  Dusty 's  Story. 

God !  help  me  to  be  a  true  woman  and  lead  this  man 
into  Thy  light." 

Extending  her  hand  to  Shepard  she  said  to  him : 
*'  In  heart  we  are  one  and  united,  but  in  hfe  we  must 
ever  be  separate.  I  trust  we  may  meet  in  the  here- 
after, and  that  I  may  be  permitted  to  bless  you  with 
my  undying  love.  If  1  go  first  I  will  wait  for  you 
and  greet  your  coming  with  songs  of  joy.  God  will- 
ing, your  home  shall  be  my  home,  even  if  it  be  not 
in  Heaven.  Wherever  it  may  be  I  will  make  it  bright 
to  thee  with  my  love  and  devotion.  While  we  are 
here  we  will  be  friends,  pure  and  true.  I  cannot 
lead  you  to  light,  only  point  out  the  way  to  it.  Be 
a  man  at  all  times,  do  right,  do  your  duty,  be  faithful 
to  your  wife  and  friends." 

At  the  word  "friends,"  Shepard  cried:  "Too  late! 
too  late !  I  have  already  been  false,  basely  false,  to 
my  best  friend,  and  like  a  thief  in  the  night  I  would 
have  carried  off  her  greatest  treasure.  Do  my  dutyl 
What  do  I  know  of  duty?  But  I  will  learn  it* now, 
and  fly  ere  I  blight  the  home  that  has  blessed  me." 

He  turned  to  rush  away,  but  Jennie  caught  him  by 
the  arm,  and  there  was  a  determined  light  in  her  eyes 
as  she  led  him  to  a  chair  and  bade  him  be  seated. 
He  obeyed  without  a  word  and  dropped  his  head 
upon  his  hands  in  deepest  misery,  for  now  the  horror 
of  his  intended  crime  swept  over  him  like  a  flood  and 
almost  overwhelmed  him. 

Jennie  stood  by  him  and  the  light  in  her  eyes 
softened,  and  her  heart  was  filled  with  a  great  pity 
for  him.  She  smoothed  his  ruffled  hair  as  tenderly 
as  a  mother  would  that  of  her  sorrowing  boy.  Bend- 
ing over  him  until  her  brown  tresses  swept  his  face, 
she  said  gently :  "  My  friend  will  not  leave  his  friend 
now,  but  he  will  stay  and  be  brave  and  true.  Your 
welfare  is  mine  and  my  mother's,  and  we  will  not  have 
another   wanderer.     Beside,   we  need  your  counsel; 


Love  and  Conscience.  219 

perhaps  you  may  help  us  to  find  Jack.  My  dear 
friend,  my  dear  brother,  for  such  you  are  to  me,  you 
must  not  think  of  leaving  us.  You  must  send  for 
your  wife  and  family,  and  we  will  live  and  w^ork 
together  for  one  another." 

Raising  his  head  he  asked  piteously :  "  Do  you 
forgive  me  ?  " 

And  her  loving  smile  answered  better  than  words. 

He  arose  and  said :  "  Jennie — you  will  please  allow 
me  to  call  you  Jennie — I  have  been  base  to-night,  but 
I  will  atone  for  it  if  possible,  and  will  stay  and  devote 
myself  to  your  interests.  But  I  will  stay  only  on  con- 
dition that  you  inform  your  mother  of  my  baseness. 
I  want  you  to  tell  her  all  and  keep  not  a  word  from 
her.  Tell  her  that  under  cover  of  night  I  would  have 
stolen  her  only  child  and  led  her  to  ruin ;  that  in  return 
for  her  kindness  and  trust  I  would  have  blighted  her 
home.  Tell  her  that  I  am  utterly  selfish,  and  un- 
worthy of  respect  or  shelter.  Do  not  spare  me,  but 
show  in  all  its  horrid  blackness  the  crim'e  I  would 
have  committed." 

Shepard  spoke  bitterly  and  showed  he  hated  him- 
self as  he  continued:  "  Tell  your  mother  I  am  a  devil 
who  would  have  borne  her  child  to  hell.  Tell  her  to 
drive  me  from  her  house  as  quickly  as  she  would  a 
dog  who  had  the  hydrophobia  and  was  like  to  bite  and 
leave  his  poison  at  any  time.  Bid  her  show  no  mercy, 
and  tell  her  I  do  not  ask  it.  I  have  been  a  coward, 
but  I  will  not  beg  for  something  I  do  not  deserve. 
Bid  her  curse  me  and  send  me  forth  an  outcast  de- 
serving no  pity  from  God  or  man.  Say  that  I  am 
Ixiscr   and   blacker   than " 

Jennie  placed  her  hand  upon  his  mouth  and  stopped 
him.  and  the  tears  were  in  her  eyes  as  she  said :  "  Not 
another  word.  I  will  not  allow  you  to  talk  so.  You 
are  not  wicked,  only  weak ;  and  I  will  not  tell  my 
mother  that  you  arc  what  you  say." 


220  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

Shepard  took  her  hand  and  said :  "  You  must  tell 
your  mother  what  I  would  have  done.  I  will  not  stay 
unless  you  do  so.  Promise  me,  Jennie,  that  you  will 
tell  her." 

*'  I  will  mention  it  to  her." 

"  That  will  not  do,  Jennie ;  you  must  tell  her  all,  and 
unless  you  promise  to  do  so  I  will  leave  to-night, 
never  to  return." 

''  I  promise,"  answered  Jennie,  "  but  I  know  my 
mother  will  forgive  you  as  readily  as  myself." 

Shepard  raised  her  hand  to  his  lips,  then  releasing 
it,  said :  "  I  will  go  now.  I  cannot  stay  here  until  I 
have  permission  from  your  mother,  so  I  will  go  to 
the  mine  and  I  shall  not  return  until  I  know  I  am  for- 
given. If  I  do  not  hear  from  your  mother,  I  shall 
leave  on  Monday;  and  Jennie,"  here  his  voice  broke 
and  ended  in  a  sob  as  he  said,  "  think  of  me  as  well 
as  you  can.     God  bless  you." 

He  then  hurriedly  left  the  room.  The  light  in  the 
sitting-room  had  gone  out  and  the  kitchen  and  sitting- 
room  were  in  darkness.  He  groped  for  the  door,  and 
as  he  reached  it  he  thought  he  heard  a  deep  breath  in 
the  kitchen.  Glancing  behind  he  fancied  he  saw  some- 
thing dark  against  the  wall,  and  he  shuddered  as  if 
the  evil  one  was  near  him. 

Reaching  the  outer  door  he  rushed  to  the  mine,  and 
throwing  himself  upon  the  office  lounge  he  tossed 
about  in  an  agony  of  remorse.  He  thought  to  leave 
that  night,  for  he  believed  Mrs.  Stanley  would  forbid 
him  entering  the  house  again.  But  where  should  he 
go?  Not  home;  he  felt  he  could  not  bear  to  meet 
Maggie  again. 

But  thinking  of  his  wife  calmed  him  and  he  fell 
into  a  deep  sleep,  and  unknown  to  himself  his  wife, 
his  old  comforter,  gave  him  rest. 


Viola's  Love.  221 


CHAPTER  XV. 
viola's  love. 

When  Shepard  left  Jennie,  she  was  strongly 
tempted  to  rush  after  him  and  bid  him  stay  in  the 
house,  but  controUing  herself,  she  fell  upon  her  knees 
and  prayed  to  God  to  give  her  strength  and  wisdom 
to  guide  this  man  aright.  She  arose  feeling  comfort- 
ed and  resolved  to  devote  herself  to  making  him 
happy.  She  never  loved  him  so  dearly  as  now ;  she 
felt  she  worshiped  him  next  to  her  God. 

On  the  following  morning  she  went  to  her  mother's 
room  and  found  her  preparing  to  go  to  breakfast. 
Upon  seeing  her  daughter,  Mrs.  Stanley  exclaimed: 
"  Why,  Jennie,  love,  you  look  as  sweet  and  happy  as 
an  angel." 

"  Do  I,  mother  ?  I  am  pleased  you  think  so.  I  do 
feel  very  happy,  for  I  have  an  object  in  life  now, 
and  have  something  to  live  and  work  for.  Sit  down, 
mother  dear,  and  I  will  tell  you  all  about  it.  You 
know  I  went  over  to  Beaumont's  last  night.  Well,  I 
stayed  quite  late,  but  Viola  saw  me  safely  home. 
IVclinL,'^  hungry,  I  went  to  the  buttery  and  got  some 
pie.  I  had  not  been  there  many  minutes  when  I 
heard  a  step  in  the  dining-room  and  I  knew  it  was 
Mr.  Shepard.  He  had  just  returned,  and  being  hungry 
came  to  the  buttery." 

Then  Jennie  told  her  mother  everything,  and  closed 
by  saying :  *'  I  was  most  to  blame,  for  I  ought  not 
to  have  teased  him  with  the  pie." 


222  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

Mrs.  Stanley  clasped  her  daughter  to  her  breast 
and  said:  *' Oh,  Jennie  love,  my  sweet,  pure  angel. 
It  is  a  blessing  to  own  such  a  child.  I  understand 
now  why  you  are  so  happy  this  morning.  It  is  be- 
cause Mr.  Shepard  will  stay  with  us  and  help  us  to  find 
Jack.  And  he  shall  stay,  my  dear,  for  I  love  him  as 
a  son.  He  is  good  and  true,  Jennie,  and  only  forgot 
himself  in  a  moment  of  weakness.  He  will  be  strong 
now  and  not  forget  himself  again.  I  will  write  a  note 
and  bid  him  come  to  me,  but  it  must  not  go  before 
noon,  for  he  will  be  weary  and  tired  and  need  rest. 
I  must  inform  him  of  our  past  and  explain  all  to  him. 
So,  Jennie  love,  go  over  to  Beaumonts'  this  afternoon 
while  I  do  so." 

"  Oh,  mother,  you  are  so  kind.  I  knew  you  would 
forgive  him." 

"  It  is  for  your  sake,  darling,  and  to  make  you 
happy,  and  because  I  know  Mr.  Shepard  is  not  bad 
and  no  harm  can  come  from  it." 

Shepard  was  awakened  at  noon  by  a  loud  rapping 
upon  the  office  door.  He  arose,  pale  and  haggard,  and 
called  out  he  would  be  there  presently.  He  washed, 
and  arranged  his  clothes  and  then  went  into  the  engine 
room  and  found  John  waiting  for  him,  who  said : 
*'  We  heard  you  were  back  from  the  railroad,  so  Mrs. 
Stanley  sent  me  up  with  a  letter." 

Shepard  took  the  tiny  envelope  and  went  back  to 
the  office.  He  dared  not  read  it  before  any  one. 
Opening  the  letter  he  read :  "  Dear  Mr.  Shepard, 
Jennie  has  told  me  all,  and  all  is  well.  You  are  our 
dearest  friend.  We  consider  you  more  than  friend, 
so  come  back  and  take  the  place  of  the  wanderer." 

Shepard  was  deeply  moved.  He  felt  he  was  unwor- 
thy of  such  kindness.  He  went  out  to  John  and  said : 
*'  I  will  go  down  with  you." 

When  they  were  gone  the  watchman  said  to  him- 
self :  *'  The  boss  is  all  broke  up  to-day.    A  steady  chap 


J 


Viola's  Love.  223 

is  Shepard,  but  those  jolly  owners  must  have  got  him 
down  last  ni.g^ht,  and  he  came  up  here  to  hide  it,  but 
how  the  devil  he  got  back  beats  me." 

If  Shepard  had  been  going  to  the  gallows  he  could 
not  have  looked  more  serious  than  he  did  when  he 
went  in  to  dinner.  The  dining-room  was  empty,  but 
Jennie  came  in  immediately,  and  greeted  him  with  a 
sweet  smile,  and  then  said,  her  eyes  brimming  with 
mischief :   "  Vegetable   soup,   roast   beef,    roast   pork, 

f  mutton  pie." 

He  stopped  her  with  a  sorry  attempt  at  a  smile,  and 
.  said :  "  Bring  me  anything." 

f  When  he  arose  from  dinner,  Jennie  came  to  him  and 

[  placing  her  hand  upon  his  shoulder  and  looking  lov- 

ingly into  his  eyes,  said :  *'  Mamma  is  in  the  parlor 
v/aiting  for  you." 
I  He  noticed  the  word  mam'ma,  it  was  the  first  time 

^  he  had  heard  her  use  it,  and  he  felt  she  used  it  now 

to  show  him  he  was  considered  one  of  the  family. 
He   answered   with   a   sigh :   **  I   will   go   to   her." 
j;  Yet  his  heart  sank  at  the  thought  of  meeting  that 

white-haired  woman.  He  felt  it  to  be  the  hardest 
task  of  his  life,  and  there  was  a  sickly  feeling  at  his 
heart  as  he  opened  the  door  to  her  call  of  "  Come  in," 
Mrs.  Stanley  was  standing  by  the  fire  when  he  en- 
tered, but  she  came  quickly  toward  him,  and  taking 
both  of  his  hands  in  her  own,  she  said :  "  My  dear 
friend,  you  would  have  done  wrong  to  have  left  us. 
Our  mine  is  in  your  hands,  our  awful  secret  is 
known  to  you.  So  we  need  you  here  to  assist  and 
advise.  Please  be  seated  and  we  will  discuss  matters." 
When  they  were  seated,  Mrs.  Stanley  resumed: 
"  We  will  say  little  about  last  night,  but  I  may  as 
well  inform  you  that  it  was  no  surprise  to  me.  for  I 
have  been  expecting  it.  Not  because  I  thought  you 
a  dishonorable  man,  but  because  I  knew  where  two 
souls  were  drawn  together  by  a  love  Hke  yours  and 


224  An  Old  Dusty 's  Story. 

my  daughter's,  that  they  must  be  tried  and  the  weaker 
one  be  ready  to  fall.  I  knew  it  could  not  be  Jennie, 
for  she  has  passed  through  much  sorrow  and  suffering 
and  it  has  purified  her.  I  trusted  you  from  the  first 
and  trust  you  still,  but  better  than  all,  you  can  now 
trust  yourself.     Is  it  not  so  ?  " 

"  It  is,"  answered  Shepard. 

"  Then  let  last  night  be  forgotten ;  we  will  think  no 
more  about  it.  I  find  it  necessary  to'acquaint  you  with 
my  past  life  that  you  may  understand  the  cause  of 
my  keeping  a  boarding-house.  My  real  name  is  Kate 
Jane  Weston  and  my  daughter  is  E'la  Jane  Weston, 
but  we  shall  never  use  them  more." 

Mrs.  Stanley  then  related  that  part  of  her  history 
from  her  husband's  death  to  the  time  she  and  her 
daughter  lost  themselves  in  the  busy  world  of  London, 
telling  how  her  daughter  had  been  wronged  by  a 
man  named  Steve  Thornton  and  how  her  son  Jack 
had  killed  him. 

She  said :  "  We  remained  in  London  two  years.  At 
the  end  of  that  time  a  poor  woman  that  I  had  known 
for  about  three  months  and  often  befriended,  died. 
Her  name  was  the  same  as  my  own  discarded  one,  that 
is,  Kate  Weston.  I  wished  to  hide  myself  that  my  old 
friends  might  never  discover  me,  so  I  conceived  the 
idea  of  burying  my  old  self  in  this  woman's  graVe ; 
so  I  had  inserted  in  one  of  the  papers  that  I  knew 
was  taken  at  home,  a  notice  reading  something  like 
this:  'Died,  June  loth,  i8— ,  Kate  Weston,  formerly 
of  Australia.'  I  also  added :  '  Mrs.  Weston  lost  her 
only  daughter  about  a  year  ago  and  never  recovered 
from  the  shock  she  received  at  that  time.'  I  then  took 
my  daughter  to  France,  and  shortly  left  there  for 
America.  W^e  have  moved  about  this  country  in  hope 
of  finding  my  son.  True  it  is  a  hope'ess  search, 
but  I  find  more  comfort  in  it  than  by  remaining 
still." 


Viola's  Love.  225 

Shepard  had  listened  to  all  without  a  word,  but  his 
eyes  flashed  fire  when  Mrs.  Stanley  related  Ella's 
wrong,  and  his  eyes  were  blinded  with  tears  when  she 
mentioned  her  sorrows.  When  Mrs.  Stanley  finished 
he  rose  to  his  feet  and  exclaimed :  ''  Oh,  God,  it  nearly 
kills  me  when  I  think  that  i,  blind  fool  that  I  am, 
would  have  run  oflf  with  your  daughter  and  have 
added  more  to  your  mountain  of  trouble.  I  do  not  de- 
serve your  kindness  or  confidence.  Why  do  you  give 
it?     I  am  unworthy  of  it." 

Shepard  had  become  excited,  so  T^Irs.  Stanley  said: 
"  Calm  yourself,  my  friend.  You  have  committed  no 
crime,  so  need  no  punishment." 

"  But  I  would  have  done  so,  and  it  is  nothing  to 
my  credit  that  I  did  not,  for  I  wanted  to  run  off  with 
your  child  and  would  have  left  you  desolate." 

"  My  dear  frind,  be  calm.  You  did  not  try  to  force 
my  daughter  to  fly  with  you,  but  left  her  free  to 
choose,  so  for  that  I  forgive  you." 

**  No,  no ;  I  never  thought  of  force.  She  was  free, 
but  I  tremble  when  I  think  of  the  consequences  if  she 
had  been  as  weak  as  I  was." 

"  Take  your  seat  again,"  said  Mrs.  Stanley.  "  I 
knew  Jennie  was  not  weak  and  could  not  be  false,  or 
I  should  not  have  eiven  you  so  much  freedom." 

Shepard  sat  down  again  and  after  some  thought 
asked :  "  What  means  have  you  employed  to  find  your 
son?" 

"I  have  watched  for  a  notice  of  his  death  or  cap- 
ture, and  when  I  have  met  a  miner  or  others  who  have 
traveled  considerably  I  have  drawn  them  into  con- 
versation and  gotten  them  to  describe  the  men  they 
had  met  in  hope  01  finding  my  son." 

"  What  is  the  appearance  of  your  son  ? "  asked 
Shepard. 

"  He  is  tall  and  fair,  has  blue  eyes,  was  very  active 
and  wore  a  light  mustache." 
15 


226  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

"  That  was  his  appearance  when  you  saw  him  last, 
what  should  he  be  like  now  ?  "  asked  Shepard. 

Mrs.  Stanley  was  startled  at  the  question,  and  it 
struck  Shepard  that  he  had  seen  that  startled  look 
before.  She  exclaimed :  **  Oh,  Mr.  Shepard,  I  never 
thought  of  my  son  changing,  he  has  always  been  the 
same  fair  boy  to  me." 

'*  I  judge  your  son  resembles  his  father  more  than 
he  does  yourself?" 

"  Yes,  my  boy  was  very  much  like  his  father." 

*'  Tell  me  what  was  the  appearance  of  your  hus- 
band at  your  son's  age." 

Shepard  took  out  a  note  book  and  pencil  and  wrote 
down  the  description.  Then  he  asked :  *'  What  were 
your  son's  habits  ?  " 

**  My  son  had  no  bad  habits.  He  drank  a  little 
sometimes,  it  is  true,  but  it  was  on  account  of  com- 
panionship and  not  that  he  liked  it.  He  was  very 
fond  of  games  and  sports  and  lived  much  out  of  doors 
both  summer  and  winter." 

"  What  were  his  social  qualities  ?  " 

"  My  son  was  very  social  and  the  Hfe  of  every  party. 
He  could  sing  and  play  and  was  fond  of  telling  sto- 
ries." 

"  Had  your  son  a  trade  or  profession  ?  " 

"  No,  he  was  a  spoiled  boy  and  would  not  learn 
anything  of  that  kind  ?  " 

"Had  he  leanings  toward  any  particular  thing?" 

"  He  did  not  show  any.  All  he  cared  for  was  fun 
and  sport.  Of  course  he  had  the  management  of  our 
stock  and  sheep." 

Shepard  was  silent  for  some  time,  studying  the  best 
course  to  follow  in  the  search  for  this  lost  son.  When 
he  spoke  he  was  grave  and  earnest.  He  said : 
"  You  have  been  most  kind  to  me,  and  I  never 
can  repay  you.  But  in  the  endeavor  to  do  so  I 
will  devote  all  my  energies  to  the  finding  of  your 


Viola's  Love.  227 

son,  and  I  pray  God  I  may  be  successful.  You  have 
honored  me  with  the  name  of  son,  so  Jack  shall  be  my 
brother.  My  plan  of  search  will  be  this :  I  will  have  it 
understood  that  I  have  a  younger  brother  somewhere 
in  the  world  who  left  home  in  a  pet  years  ap;^o  and  I 
have  not  heard  from  him  since.  I  will  say  that  most 
likely  he  has  changed  his  name.  To  men  who  have 
traveled  around  considerably  I  will  give  a  description 
of  my  brother  and  perhaps  we  shall  find  your  son." 

Mrs.  Stanley  was  overjoyed,  and  had  not  felt  so 
hopeful  and  happy  since  her  son  disappeared.  She 
felt  her  kindness  to  Shepard  was  being  repaid ;  instead 
of  cursing  her  home  he  was  blessing  it. 

The  afternoon  was  almost  gone,  and  as  she  had 
promised  to  take  tea  with  Mrs.  Beaumont,  she  said 
to  Shepard :  "  Would  you  please  escort  me  to  Mrs. 
Beaumont's  ? " 

He  complied  at  once.  Viola  was  the  first  to  see 
them  coming,  and  a  pang  of  jealousy  came  over  her 
heart  at  sight  of  Mrs.  Stanley's  happy  face.  She  did 
not  show  it,  however,  but  greeted  them  most  cordially. 
When  they  were  seated  she  said :  **  I  think,  Mr.  Shep- 
ard, the  Stanleys  treat  you  too  well,  for  you  cannot 
stay  away  a  day." 

He  looked  straie^ht  into  her  laughing  eyes  and 
answered :  *'  You  are  quite  right ;  they  treat  me  better 
than  I  deserve." 

She  blushed,  for  «he  thought  she  had  offended  him, 
as  he  was  so  serious,  then  she  said :  "  I  did  not  mean 
it  and  only  spoke  in  play." 

"  It  is  fair  play,"  he  said,  with  a  smile,  **  and  I  have 
given  you  a  fair  answer." 

"Will  you  take  tea  with  us?"  asked  Mrs.  Beau- 
mont of  Shepard. 

"  I  did  not  think  to  do  so,"  he  answered. 

"  But  you  must,  for  we  shall  not  let  you  go." 

"  Very  well  then,"  he  said,  "  I  shall  stay." 


228  An  Old  Dusty 's  Story. 

He  spent  the  evening  with  them  and  Viola  paid  him 
much  attention.  He  accepted  it  very  quietly.  She 
sang  her  songs  of  love,  but  they  did  not  affect  him 
now.  There  was  no  more  rushing  of  the  blood  or 
tingling  of  the  nerves  for  him.  He  felt  his  heart  was 
dead  and  only  needed  burying  to  be  at  rest.  He  saw 
the  ladies  home,  and  then  went  out  for  a  lonely  walk. 
He  thought  of  the  Stanleys  and  their  troubles,  and 
his  own  base  conduct,  and  resolved  to  atone  for  his 
baseness  by  finding  this  lost  son  if  possible. 

He  was  so  occupied  with  his  thoughts  that  he  stum- 
bled over  something  in  the  road,  and  falling  he  struck 
his  forehead  against  a  stone.  He  was  almost  stunned 
and  when  he  arose  he  felt  blood  trickling  down  his 
cheek.  In  the  attempt  to  wipe  it  off  he  smeared  his 
face  with  it.  He  returned  home  at  once,  and  going 
toward  his  room  met  Mrs.  Stanley.  She  was  shocked 
at  his  bloody  face  and  exclaimed  with  fear  in  her 
eyes:  "Oh,  Mr.  Shepard,  what  has  happened?" 

He  informed  her  and  said :  "  It  is  nothing  serious. 
I  shall  be  all  right  to-morrow." 

He  would  have  gone  on  to  his  room,  but  she  would 
not  permit  it.  She  took  him  to  the  sitting-room,  and 
washing  his  forehead,  found  an  ugly  but  not  serious 
cut.  She  dressed  it  carefully,  saw  him  to  the  door  of 
his  room  and  retired. 

Shepard  was  not  at  breakfast  next  morning,  so  Mrs. 
Stanley  sent  John  to  his  room  to  see  if  he  was  up.  He 
soon  returned  and  said  to  Mrs.  Stanley :  "  Shepard  is 
tossing  about  in  bed  with  a  fever  and  is  talking  a 
deal." 

Mrs.  Stanley  went  to  him  at  once  and  found  him 
saying :  "  I  would  have  done  it.  I  would  have  taken 
her  away." 

She  stayed  and  nursed  him  through  the  day.  He 
was  very  restless,  and  at  times  would  cry :  "  I  will 
find  him.    I  will  never  rest  until  I  find  hin  " 


Viola's  Love.  :229 

Viola  heard  that  Shepard  was  sick  and  flew  over  to 
render  assistance.  But  Mrs.  Stanley  would  not  allow 
her  or  Jennie  to  p^o  into  the  room.  She  had  broken 
the  fever  by  evening,  and  then  she  allowed  Mrs.  Beau- 
mont and  the  girls  to  take  her  place  for  an  hour  or 
two. 

Shepard  was  around  next  morning,  and  weak  as  he 
was,  he  would  have  gone  to  the  mines  if  Mrs.  Stanley 
had  not  prevented  him.  She  fixed  a  comfortable  place 
for  him  in  the  parlor  and  said :  '*  I  shall  keep  you  a 
prisoner  to-day,  for  it  is  not  wise  to  let  you  go  away. 
For  fear  you  may  become  lonesome,  I  will  send  Jennie 
and  Viola  to  entertain  you." 

And  the  girls  made  it  one  of  the  happiest  days  of  his 
life.  Jennie  was  all  smiles  and  sweetness,  and  Viola 
all  life  and  animation.  She  outdid  herself  in  wit,  song 
and  repartee. 

He  was  surprised  at  her  powers  and  said  to  himself: 
"  Viola  is  a  gifted  woman  and  could  make  a  mark 
in  the  world  if  she  chose." 

The  day  passed  quickly  and  Mrs.  Stanley,  who  had 
been  busy  most  of  the  day,  came  to  inform  the  girls 
that  John  was  ready  to  take  them  out  for  a  ride.  She 
took  their  place  and  had  quite  a  talk  with  Shepard, 
and  at  the  close  said :  "  You  must  not  worry  about 
your  weakness  of  the  other  night.  Think  no  more 
about  it.  Neither  must  you  worry  about  debt  or  busi- 
ness. T  wish  to  inform  you  that  my  fortune  is  ample 
for  all  of  us.  I  want  you  to  state  the  amount  you  owe 
and  I  will  let  you  have  the  money  to  settle  it." 

'*  I  thank  you,"  said  Shepard,  "  for  you  are  very 
kind,  but  I  cannot  take  any  more  money  from  you." 

"  But  you  must,"  exclaimed  Mrs.  Stanley.  "  I  want 
you  to  pay  off  your  debts  and  you  can  settle  with  me 
when  you  make  it  out  of  the  mine.  And  do  not  be 
afraid  to  work  the  mine  as  you  wish,  for  a  few  thou- 


230  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

sand  dollars  will  not  hurt  us  if  we  do  not  get  it  back 
again.     What  is  the  amount  of  your  indebtedness  ?  " 

"  About  six  hundred  dollars." 

**  Well,  you  must  send  it  off  to-morrow.  Now,  no 
objections.  If  my  son  cannot  manage  his  business  I 
must  do  it  for  him." 

She  would  receive  no  thanks  from  him,  so  pressing 
her  hand  he  left  the  room,  the  big  tears  in  his  eyes. 
It  was  still  early,  but  he  retired  at  once.  He  wanted 
to  be  alone  and  think,  not  about  himself  or  his  good 
fortune,  but  about  Mrs.  Stanley.  The  frightened  look 
that  came  into  her  face  when  she  met  him  with  his 
bloody  face  had  haunted  him  ever  since.  He  seemed 
familiar  with  that  startled  look,  but  could  not  remem- 
ber where  he  had  seen  it. 

He  asked  himself :  ''  What  woman  have  I  known 
who,  when  afraid,  looks  like  that  ?  " 

He  thought  of  them  all,  but  none  had  such  eyes. 
He  gazed  a  long  time  into  the  fire  thinking.  Then  he 
exclaimed :  *'  How  stupid  I  have  grown !  It  was 
Jennie  that  had  such  startled  eyes  when  I  told  her  I 
knew  their  secret,  but  I  was  almost  too  crazy  to  notice 
it.  But,  now  I  think  of  it,  the  look  was  not  new  to 
me  then." 

He  wearied  himself  thinking  about  it,  and  then  lay 
down  to  dream  of  frightened  eyes. 

Next  day  Mrs.  Stanley  gave  him  the  money  to  pay 
his  debts  and  advised  him  to  send  for  his  wife  and 
family.  He  sent  the  money  to  his  wife  and  requested 
her  to  pay  it  out,  but  did  not  ask  her  to  come  to  him. 

It  was  Saturday  again.  Shepard  had  just  partaken 
of  dinner,  and  having  nothing  to  do  at  the  Silver 
Star,  he  concluded  to  ride  over  and  look  at  his  own 
mine.  Viola  was  spending  the  day  with  Jennie,  and 
he  was  strongly  inclined  to  ask  them  to  take  a  ride 
with  him. 


Viola's  Love.  231 

He  paused  a  moment  in  the  sitting-room,  unde- 
cided what  to  do.  At  that  moment  John  came  in  and 
handed  him  a  letter.  Opening  it,  he  found  it  was 
from  Mrs.  Beaumont.  It  began  :  "  Dear  Mr.  Shepard, 
if  you  are  not  too  busy  this  afternoon,  please  call  upon 
me,  for  I  wish  to  speak  to  you  about  a  matter  of  im- 
portance." 

Instead  of  inviting  the  girls,  he  saddled  his  horse 
and  rode  over  to  Mrs.  Beaumont's  at  once.  She  was 
alone  and  received  him  graciously.  When  he  was 
seated  she  said  with  some  embarrassment :  "  I  have 
wished  for  a  long  time  to  speak  to  you  about  a  mat- 
ter dear  to  my  heart,  but  have  been  afraid  to  do  so 
for  fear  of  offending  you.  But  yesterday,  while  speak- 
ing to  Mrs.  Stanley  about  it,  she  assured  me  you  would 
not  take  offence,  but  would  assist  me  all  in  your  power. 
Viola  has  caused  me  much  anxiety  of  late,  and  it  is 
of  her  I  wish  to  speak.  You  must  have  seen  that  she 
is  strangely  infatuated  with  you.  Now,  I  do  not  doubt 
your  honor,  nor  fear  evil  from  you,  but  I  fear  for 
Viola,  for  she  may  do  or  say  something  rash.  She  is 
a  strange  girl,  and  has  peculiar  ideas  which  came 
from  her  early  life,  of  which  I  will  speak  later.  When 
a  bold,  dashing  woman  like  Viola  loves  a  man  to  dis- 
traction she  will,  if  opportunity  offers,  make  it  known. 
I  have  been  afraid  she  would  do  so,  and  I  feared  if  she 
was  repulsed  with  scorn  she  might  do  something  des- 
perate. Would  you,  if  she  ever  acts  unmaidenly,  show 
her  in  a  kindly  way  the  folly  and  sin  of  it?  U  you 
would  do  this  you  might  prevent  her  from*  going 
astray." 

.**  I  will  certainly  do  as  you  wish  if  occasion  requires 
it,"  said  Shepard.  **  I  am  pleased  that  you  have  spoken 
so  plainly,  for  I  am  well  aware  that  Viola  has  a  mad 
passion  for  me.  and  I  assure  you  her  attentions  have 
been  unpleasant  at  times.  I  promise  yon  that  Viola 
shall  receive  no  harm  at  my  haii(l>,  i^v  I  wunld  lake 


232  An  Old  Dusty 's  Story. 

no  advantage  of  her.  I  really  admire  Viola  greatly. 
She  is  a  remarkable  woman,  and  I  should  be  pleased 
to  always  be  her  friend.  But  to  tell  you  the  truth,  I 
am  a  little  afraid  of  her,  and  I  doubt  if  I  could  manage 
her  if  she  became  contrary.  I  have  avoided  her  as 
much  as  possible  without  being  rude,  hoping  she 
would  lose  interest  in  me.  I  should  be  much  pleased 
to  hear  something  of  her  early  life,  if  it  would  not 
weary  you  to  relate  it.  She  has  been  a  study  to  me, 
and  I  would  like  to  know  more  about  her." 

Mrs.  Beaumont  replied :  "  You  shall  know  all,  and 
I  trust  to  your  honor  to  keep  it  a  secret.  But  you 
may  inform  Viola  that  you  are  acquainted  with  her 
past  life,  if  you  should  ever  find  it  to  be  to  her  best 
interests  to  do  so.  I  suppose  you  are  aware  that  she 
is  not  my  own  daughter." 

"  I  have  heard  as  much,  madam." 

"  It  is  true.  Her  mother  was  a  schoolmate  of  mine 
and  a  very  dear  friend.  After  leaving  school  she 
went  South  with  her  ])arents,  and  a  year  later  she 
informed  me  by  letter  that  she  had  married  a  dashing 
young  Southerner,  by  name  of  Charles  Lecon.  About 
that  time  I  married  a  California  miner  and  took  a  wed- 
ding tour  to  Europe.  When  I  returned  my  friend  had 
moved,  and  I  lost  track  of  her.  My  husband  met 
with  reverses  and  went  to  mining  again.  He  first 
went  West,  and  then  returned  and  went  South,  taking 
me  with  him.  This  pleased  me,  for  I  hoped  to  hear 
something  of  my  old  schoolmate.  Pearl  Lecon.  My 
hopes  were  realized,  and  going  to  see  her  I  was 
shocked,  for  I  found  her  an  aged,  broken-down 
woman.  I  saw  she  had  not  long  to  live,  so  I  stayed 
with  her  some  days  and  learned  the  cause  of  this  great 
change.  I  found  that  her  husband  was  a  noted  moon- 
shiner and  led  a  wild,  reckless  life.  My  friend  had 
only  one  child,  a  daughter  about  thirteen  years  of 
age.    She  said  she  had  named  her  daughter  Viola  after 


Viola's  Love.  233 

myself,  and  that  her  child  had  all  her  father's  fire 
and  dash,  and  spent  much  of  her  time  with  him,  and 
had  on  more  than  one  occasion  saved  her  father  from 
beings  captured  by  the  officers.  My  friend  was  afraid 
her  husband  would  be  killed  in  his  fights  with  the 
officers,  and  she  begged  that  I  would  adopt  Viola 
after  her  own  death  and  take  her  away  from  such  a 
life.  Having  no  children,  I  readily  promised  to  do 
so.  Viola  was  away  with  her  father,  and  I  did  not 
see  her  that  time.  I  went  to  see  my  friend  again 
late  in  the  summer  and  found  her  very  low,  so  low 
that  I  would  not  leave  her.  Viola  was  at  home,  and 
I  became  attached  to  her  at  once.  We  became  great 
friends,  and  she  promised  her  mother  to  look  to  me 
for  advice  when  she  was  gone.  Soon  after  this  my 
friend  died,  and  after  the  funeral  I  returned  home, 
but  without  Viola,  for  she  would  not  leave  her  father. 
About  two  months  afterward  I  was  startled  upon  hear- 
ing that  Lecon  had  been  killed  in  a  fight  with  the  of- 
ficers. I  went  to  the  scene  at  once,  and  found  Viola 
with  some  friends.  She  was  in  great  distress,  and 
readily  consented  to  go  with  me.  I  found  Viola  was 
at  the  fight,  and  it  was  whispered  among  her  friends 
that  she  had  shot  one  of  the  officers,  but  I  could  not 
believe  it,  and  have  always  thought  they  were  mis- 
taken. My  husband  went  North  again,  then  we  came 
West,  and  have  moved  around  until  we  settled  here. 
Viola  has  always  been  good,  and  never  cared  for  any 
man  until  she  knew  you." 

Shepard  had  been  deeply  interested  in  Mrs.  Beau- 
mont's narrative,  and  said  at  its  close :  **  I  thank  you 
for  this  history  of  Viola.  I  understand  her  better  now, 
and  I  promise  you  I  will  ever  be  her  friend." 

He  then  Uft  and  rode  to  the  mine,  and  as  he  thought 
of  Viola  he  became  convinced  that  she  killed  the  officer 
mentioned  by  her  friends,  for  he  felt  certain  she  would 
fight  like  a  tiger  for  her  own.    He  soon  put  her  from 


234  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

his  mind,  and  there  came  in  her  place  those  ever-pres- 
ent frightened  eyes.  He  did  not  understand  why  he 
so  hungered  to  remember  where  he  had  seen  that 
frightened  look,  for  the  desire  made  him  feverish  by 
day  and  restless  by  night.  His  mind  in  regard  to 
those  eyes  seemed  a  blank,  yet  he  knew  he  had  seen 
them  before. 

On  returning  to  Stanleys'  he  found  Viola  still  there, 
so  for  fear  of  having  to  take  her  home  he  left  the 
parlor  early,  saying  he  had  some  letters  to  write.  He 
was  afraid  if  he  was  left  alone  with  her  something 
would  happen,  and  he  would  avoid  it  if  possible. 
Viola  seemed  to  divine  the  cause  of  his  early  depart- 
ure, and  as  she  bade  him  good  night  her  eyes  seemed 
to  say :  "  You  may  run  away  now,  but  I  will  have 
you  yet." 

He  sat  down  in  his  cosy  room  and  commenced  to 
write  his  letters.  His  mind  wandered  from  his  letter 
to  those  frightened  eyes,  and  it  was  some  time  before" 
he  finished  writing.  Then,  with  his  arms  on  the  stand, 
he  racked  his  brain  to  remember  where  he  had  seen 
those  eyes.  Becoming  weary,  he  lay  his  head  upon 
his  arms  and  murmured :  '*  It  is  no  use ;  I  cannot  re- 
member.   I  shall  give  it  up." 

Then  a  soundless  voice  within  him  spoke,  and 
though  his  ears  heard  it  not,  it  was  as  clear  to  him 
as  any  voice  he  had  ever  heard.  It  said  to  him :  ''  Bill 
Thompson." 

He  sprang  up  so  suddenly  that  the  stand  was  hurled 
against  the  wall  and  broken.  The  ink  ran  over  the 
bright  bit  of  carpet  that  Mrs.  Stanley  had  placed  there 
especially  for  him.  The  papers  and  the  letters  were 
scattered  about  the  floor,  but  he  saw  them  not. 

He  tore  around  the  room  in  a  whirl  of  excitement, 
crying :  "  Bill  Thompson !  It  is  he !  It  is  he  !  He, 
the  wanderer,  is  the  long-lost  son !  I  understand  it 
now  and  see  the  cause  of  his  fear !  " 


Viola's  Love.  235 

Shepard  rushed  around,  trampling  the  broken 
bottle  into  the  carpet  and  tracking  the  ink  all  over  the 
room.  He  seemed  to  have  gone  mad  with  joy,  and  his 
brain  throbbed  as  if  it  would  burst  its  bounds.  The 
room  seemed  to  be  stifling,  so,  seizing  his  hat,  he 
rushed  from  the  room,  through  the  hall  and  into  the 
street.    On  he  went,  not  knowing  where  he  was  going. 

At  the  corner  he  ran  against  some  one  and  they 
fell  together.  Without  a  word  Shepard  sprang  to  his 
feet  again  and  was  off  like  a  flash.  But  hardly  less 
quickly,  the  person  he  knocked  down  arose  and  rushed 
after  him,  guided  in  the  darkness  by  the  sound  of 
his  feet.  It  was  a  wild  race  for  the  pursuer,  for  Shep- 
ard ran  like  a  madman  and  did  not  know  he  was  fol- 
k)wed. 

About  a  mile  from  town  he  fell  to  the  ground  ex- 
hausted. The  run  had  relieved  his  excited  brain,  so 
laying  his  head  upon  his  arms  he  fell  into  a  doze. 
When  he  opened  his  eyes  again  the  moon  was  shining 
brightly  and  filling  the  valley  with  a  flood  of  light. 
He  was  bewildered  and  did  not  stir,  but  lay  wondering 
why  he  was  there.  Then  it  all  came  back  to  his  mind, 
everything  was  clear,  and  he  thanked  God  for  the 
voice  that  had  spoken  to  his  soul.  He  rose  to  his 
knees,  and  became  conscious  of  a  dark  form  standing 
near  him.  He  felt  his  flesh  creep  and  his  heart  turn 
cold.  He  grew  chill  and  could  not  move  nor  speak, 
but  seemed  turned  to  stone.  There  was  a  fearful 
spell  upon  him,  but  it  was  broken  by  a  thrilling  voice 
wliicli  crii  <1 :   "  Arise,  and  come  with  me." 

Vruiu  a  stony  .stillness  Shepard  changed  to  one  of 
wild  excitement,  and  springing  to  his  feet,  he  cried : 
**  Viola  !    What  brings  you  here  ?  " 

It  was  indeed  Viola  that  stood  beside  him,  and  she 
answered  Ixjldly :    "  I  followed  you." 

**  But  how  did  you  know  I  came  here?  " 

She  laughed  a  little  and  said :  *'  Oh,  I  knew  it  wcU 


236  An  Old  Dusty *s  Story. 

enough.  When  people  are  knocked  down  in  the  street 
they  have  a  desire  to  know  who  did  it.  When  I  fell 
my  eyes  turned  to  you,  and  I  knew  you  at  once,  for  I 
am  not  so  blind  in  that  darkness  as  you.  My  first 
thought  was  that  the  fever  had  turned  your  head,  so 
I  rushed  after  you.  You  have  given  me  a  chase,  but  I 
knew  I  could  run  you  down.  What  is  wrong  with 
you?" 

"  Nothing,  Viola,  nothing.     I  am  all  right." 

"  You  appear  to  be  all  right  now,  but  you  were  not 
when  you  came  here.     Please  take  me  home." 

Shepard  looked  at  her  in  alarm.  To  take  her  home 
at  that  time  of  night  and  from  such  a  place  startled 
him.  He  thought :  ''  What  will  be  said  about  it  if 
we  are  seen  ?  " 

Then  he  thought  of  her  kindness  in  following 
him  to  see  to  his  safety.  He  hesitated  no  longer,  but 
took  her  proffered  arm  and  started  for  home  without 
a  word. 

Viola  was  the  first  to  speak,  and  she  said :  "  Tell  me 
the  cause  of  your  wild  flight."  As  she  spoke  she 
looked  into  his  eyes  with  a  sweet  smile. 

Shepard  answered  quietly :  ''  I  cannot  tell  you ;  it 
is  a  secret." 

She  clung  to  him  a  little  closer  as  she  said :  "  I  am 
sorry  you  say  so,  for  I  would  help  you  in  your  trouble 
if  you  would  let  me.  I  would  be  your  friend,  your  best 
friend.  It  grieves  me  to  see  you  so  miserable  when 
you  might  be  happy  if  you  tried.  Do  try.  Do  not 
worry  any  more.  Put  away  your  care  and  gloom 
and  live  again." 

Viola's  voice  was  soft  as  a  cooing  dove,  her  warm 
breath  fanned  his  beard,  she  leaned  lovingly  upon  his 
arm,  and  there  was  a  seductive  light  in  her  brilliant 
eyes  as  her  head  drooped  until  it  touched  his  shoulder. 
As  she  gazed  into  his  troubled  eyes  she  seemed  to 
search  his  soul   and   endeavor  to  charm   it   and  draw 


Viola's  Love.  237 

it  to  her  own.  She  was  extremely  fascinating,  and 
would  have  been  very  dangerous  to  most  men.  She 
might  have  been  so  to  Shepard  once,  but  he  was  safe 
now,  for  his  heart  was  cold  and  dead.  And  instead 
of  attracting  him  she  filled  him  with  horror,  for  there 
seemed  a  snaky  glitter  in  her  longing  eyes.  He  would 
have  shrunk  from  her,  but  she  held  him  fast. 

Thinking  of  his  promise  to  Mrs.  Beaumont,  he  con- 
trolled the  feeling  of  repugnance  that  came  upon  him 
and  gently  said :  *'  Let  us  hasten  home.  The  night  is 
passing." 

He  would  have  hurried  along,  but  she  clung  upon 
him  and  made  speed  impossible,  and  asked :  '*  Why 
should  we  hasten  home  ?  What  is  there  that  you  should 
hurry  ?  Are  you  happy  when  there,  and  is  your  heart 
satisfied?  I  know  you  are  not  happy  there,  for  it  is 
that  home  that  has  made  you  so  gloomy  and  sad,  and 
that  is  slowly  killing  you.  There  is  nothing  there 
for  you.    Then,  why  go  back  again?  " 

Shepard  would  have  broken  from  her  and  fled,  but 
he  could  not  do  so,  for  her  strength  was  greater  than 
his,  so  he  cried :  "  For  God's  sake.  Miss  Beaumont, 
release  me!  You  are  mad  and  know  not  what  you 
say !  " 

She  answered  excitedly :  "  I  may  be  mad,  but  I 
speak  the  truth.  You  know  I  speak  the  truth.  And  I 
can  tell  you  more.  You  love  and  are  dying  for  Jen- 
nie." 

At  these  words  Shepard  also  became  excited  and 
cried:  **  How  do  you  know  I  love  Jennie?  Who  told 
you  that  I  love  her?  " 

"  Foolish  man !  "  exclaimed  Viola,  **  to  ask  a  woman 
who  adores  you  how  she  knows  you  love  another.  No 
one  has  told  me,  no  one  need  to  tell  me,  for  I  have 
scon  it  from  the  first,  and  read  it  in  your  voice  and 
eyes.  And  seeing  it,  I,  too,  have  learned  to  love  you 
until  it  has  become  a  consuming  fire.    I  fought  against 


238  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

it  at  first,  only  to  make  it  stronger  and  fiercer,  and  now 
it  burns  like  the  flames  of  hell !  Oh,  cold-hearted 
man  !  You  cannot  conceive  of  the  strength  of  woman's 
love.  I  know  Jennie  loves  you  too,  but  her  love  com- 
pared to  mine  is  like  the  little  rill  beside  Niagara's 
surging  flood.  She  does  not  understand  the  meaning 
of  warm,  passionate  love !  " 

She  flung  her  arms  about  his  neck  and  covered  his 
face  with  hot,  passionate  kisses.  She  kissed  his  lips, 
his  hair,  his  eyes,  his  beard.  He  struggled  to  be  free, 
but  was  as  helpless  as  a  child  in  her  arms.  When  she 
relaxed  her  wild  embrace,  he  fairly  gasped  for  breath. 

As  soon  as  he  could  speak  he  said :  *'  Viola,  let  me 
go.    This  is  terrible." 

"  No,  no,  I  will  not.  You  are  too  sweet,  and  I  have 
longed  for  this  moment  too  long  to  let  you  go  now. 
You  are  my  love,  and  mine  only.  I  will  bless  you  and 
make  you,  oh,  so  happy.  In  my  arms  you  will  forget 
them  all ;  even  sweet  Jennie  will  be  forgotten.  Come, 
love,  let  us  leave  before  'tis  day !  " 

"  No,  Viola,  I  cannot  go.  You  know  not  what  you 
ask.  The  run  you  have  had  has  turned  your  mind. 
You  must  go  home.  You  must  allow  me  to  see  you 
safely  home." 

"  I  am  not  demented,"  she  said.  "  I  am  quite  ac- 
countable for  my  words  and  actions.  I  do  not  fear 
the  consequences.  I  love  you,  and  that  is  enough  for 
me.  For  you  I  will  bear  ail  the  trials  of  life  uncom- 
plainingly. I  promise  you,  you  shall  never  regret 
taking  me  away  and  making  me  your  wife." 

Shepard  lost  patience  and  said  scornfully,  and  his 
tones  cut  her  to  the  quick :  "  I  have  had  enough  of 
this,  for  it  is  altogether  too  tiresome.  I  used  to  think 
you  a  noble  woman,  but  I  see  I  have  been  mistaken, 
for  I  find  you  no  better  than  a " 

He  did  not  speak  the  word,  for  her  eyes  flashed 
upon  him  with  a  lightning  glance  that  seemed  ready 


Viola's  Love.  ^39 

to  kill.  Still  he  did  not  flinch,  but  looked  into  her 
blazing  eyes  and  said :  "  Well,  I  won't  call  names, 
but  I  must  say  that  you  are  not  a  lady.  I  must  also 
tell  you  that  I  would  not  go  away  with  you  if  you  were 
all  I  thought  you  to  be,  and  I  would  not  leave  my  wife 
and  family  for  all  your  beauty.  You  have  forgotten 
that  I  am  a  married  man." 

Viola  laughed  long  and  wickedly,  then  exclaimed 
mockingly :  **  Of  course  you  wouldn't  leave  your  wife. 
You  are  one  of  those  goody,  goody  saints  who  are 
too  pure  for  that.  Of  course  you  are!  No,  I  had  not 
forgotten  that  you  are  a  married  man.  And  it  is 
quite  possible  that  you  are  a  much  married  man.  And 
I  wouldn't  swear  you  would  not  take  another  wife  to 
comfort  you  for  the  loss  of  the  darlings  you  left  be- 
hind. It  would  not  be  me,  of  course,  for  I  am  not  the 
kind  to  take  peace  into  the  harem,  and  I  am  not  the 
kind  to  sit  down  and  cry  because  dear  Sheppy  spent 
two  weeks  with  Mary,  boo-hoo !  " 

Viola  placed  her  mantle  to  her  eyes  in  imitation  of 
crying,  and  then  laughed  again  and  continued :  "  Per- 
haps you  are  one  of  the  holy  of  holies, — one  of  those 
who  grease  and  get  greased  in  the  temple.  If  it  was 
not  unladylike,  I  might  ask  you  something  about  the 
cut  of  your  underclothes,  but  you  saints  are  so  modest 
that  it  would  shock  your  poor  nerves  if  I  did  so.  Of 
course  you  are  too  good  to  run  away  with  me.  Too 
good  to  run  away  with  the  widow's  daughters  and 
leave  the  white-haired  mother  alone  and  broken- 
liearted.  Your  pure  soul  shrank  just  now  when  I 
kissed  you  and  pressed  you  to  my  breast?  Did  it 
shrink  when  you  kissed  Jennie  and  pressed  her  to 
your  breast  ?  Or  does  it  make  all  the  difference  in  the 
world  if  you  do  the  kissing?  " 

Viola  poured  her  wrath  upon  him  in  scorn  and  bit- 
terness, all  her  love  turned  to  hate.  When  she  men- 
tioned Jennie,  Shepard's  eyes  gleamed  as  wickedly  as 


:24o  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

her  own.  He  saw  it  all.  The  deep  breath  he  had 
heard  in  the  kitchen  when  he  left  Jennie  had  come 
from  Viola ;  the  dark  shadow  he  had  seen  against  the 
wall  was  herself,  and  it  was  she  who  had  extinguished 
the  sitting-room  light. 

As  he  gazed  upon  her  erect  form,  it  seemed  more 
perfect  than  ever,  as  she  was  swayed  by  her  passion, 
and  her  white,  shapely  throat  glistened  in  the  moon- 
light. An  almost  resistless  impulse  came  upon  him  to 
seize  that  throat  and  squeeze  the  life  out  of  her.  With 
an  effort  of  self-control,  he  shook  like  a  leaf  and  his 
hands  clutched  nervously  at  the  air. 

She  seemed  to  read  his  thought,  so  checking  her 
anger  she  said  with  a  smile:  "  Why  don't  you  do  it? 
Surely  you  are  not  a  coward  and  afraid  of  a  woman. 
It  is  true  there  is  no  Salt  Lake  here  to  hide  your 
crime,  but  there  is  plenty  of  mother  earth,  so  be  true 
to  your  creed  and  send  your  enemies  '  to  hell  across 
lots.'  " 

She  leaned  forward  until  he  felt  her  hot  breath  upon 
his  face.  It  was  a  terrible  moment,  for  there  seemed 
to  be  a  devil  in  his  heart  saying  '*  Choke  the  life  out 
of  her  and  end  it  all." 

By  a  mighty  effort  he  controlled  the  feelings  and 
taking  her  in  his  arms,  cried :  "  I  did  not  mean  it, 
Viola.  I  would  not  harm  you  for  the  world.  Forgive 
me  and  let  us  be  friends.  I  have  been  mad  to-night ; 
we  both  have  been  mad,  but  let  it  pass  now,  and  let 
us  thank  God  that  we  have  committed  no  crime.  I 
admit  that  I  wished  to  take  Jennie  away,  and  I  de- 
serve all  your  contempt,  but  believe  me,  I  am  not 
wholly  bad.  I  now  see  the  enormity  of  my  intended 
crime,  and  I  bitterly  repent  it.  I  was  mad  then,  as 
you  have  been  to-night,  and  would  have  done  wrong, 
but  Jennie,  heavenly  Jennie,  saved  me.  Jennie,  with 
her  sweet,  pure  soul,  would  not  do  wrong,  though  she 
herself  was  dying  for  love.    With  her  love  is  right  and 


Viola's  Love.  541 

duty,  and  she  would  bless  her  idol  by  leading  him 
from  darkness  into  light.  Imitate  her,  Viola,  and  be 
true  to  your  womanhood  and  better  self.  Jennie  loves 
you  as  dearly  as  a  sister,  and  it  would  grieve  her  if 
you  went  astray.  Think  of  your  mother,  Viola,  and 
the  bitter  tears  she  would  weep  for  you,  and  of  the 
fearful  curses  she  would  call  down  upon  my  head. 
Viola,  I  have  been  weak,  but  to-night  I  am  strong,  and 
I  swear  I  will  do  you  no  wrong.  If  any  action  of. 
mine  has  led  you  to  this,  blame  me  as  much  as  you 
wish,  curse  me  if  you  think  I  am  a  fraud,  tell  them  in 
the  town  that  I  came  here  to  entice  innocent  girls 
from  their  homes,  if  you  think  it  true ;  do  and  say 
what  you  please,  yet  I  swear  to  you  I  shall  do  you  no 
wrong." 

Viola  was  now  weeping  upon  his  shoulder ;  the  tem- ' 
pest  of  her  passion  was  passed  and  she  was  weak 
and  docile  as  a  child.  He  spoke  words  of  comfort  to 
her,  and  ended  by  saying :  "  I  will  now  take  you 
home,  and  what  we  have  said  to-night  shall  be  for- 
gotten." 

Viola  dried  her  eyes  and  answered :  "  I  will  go 
home  alone,  and  I  beg  your  pardon  for  what  I  have 
said.  I  do  not  ask  to  be  forgiven.  It  is  too  shameful 
for  that,  but  I  assure  you  I  was  not  thinking  of  my- 
self when  I  followed  you.  I  thought  only  of  your 
safety.  I  am  truly  sorry  I  followed  you  on  the  night 
you  came  from  the  railroad.  You  passed  me  as  I  was 
returning  home  from  Jennie's,  and  I  thought  you  had 
planned  a  meeting  with  her,  and  in  a  frenzy  of  jeal- 
ousy I  followed  you  to  the  house  and  heard  all.  Jen- 
nie's secret  is  safe  with  me,  for  I  shall  never  mention 
it.  Do  not  think  I  am  utterly  bad,  for  I  never  thought 
of  wrong  until  I  knew  you." 

She  turned  to  go,  but  he  detained  her  and  said : 
"  Stay  one  moment,  Viola.     I  cannot  let  you  go  until 
I  say  you  are  forgiven.    I  need  forgiveness  too  much 
16 


^4^  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

to  refuse  it  to  you.  Let  us  part  friends.  Let  me  be 
your  brother.  If  you  are  ever  in  trouble  and  need  a 
friend,  call  upon  me.  I  shall  be  pleased  to  assist  you 
in  every  way  I  possibly  can." 

He  then  kissed  her  and  hastened  aw^ay  ere  she  could 
reply.  He  did  not  go  home,  but  crossed  the  hills  to 
the  mine. 

As  Shepard  did  not  appear  at  the  breakfast  table 
next  morning,  John  w^ent  to  call  him,  and  was  sur- 
prised at  the  condition  of  the  room.  He  went  to  Mrs. 
Stanley  and  said :  "  There  is  something  wrong. 
Shepard's  room  is  open,  the  stand  is  broken,  and  ink 
and  papers  all  over  the  floor,  and  Shepard  is  gone." 

Mrs.  Stanley  looked  at  Jennie,  but  she  could  not 
explain,  so  they  went  to  the  room.  They  turned  pale 
as  they  gazed  on  the  ruined  stand  and  the  stained  car- 
pet. They  both  had  the  same  thought :  "  Shepard  has 
gone  mad,  for  surely  this  is  the  work  of  a  madman." 

Mrs.  Stanley  said,  with  a  quiver  in  her  voice :  "  We 
must  find  him." 

She  had  hardly  spoken,  when  Shepard  made  his 
appearance,  smiling  pleasantly.  He  said,  his  eyes 
brimful  with  fun  as  he  looked  in  the  room :  "  A  mad- 
man's trick,  isn't  it?  Well,  I  was  wild  and  mad  last 
night.  You  know  my  head  has  not  been  right  since 
I  slept  bareheaded  in  the  mountains  of  Idaho.  But  I 
am  all  right  this  morning  and  feel  better  than  for  a 
long  time.  Let  me  kiss  you,  mother.  I  long  ever  so 
much  to  kiss  you.  That  is  good.  My  sweet  sister, 
too.  Yes,  I  will  kiss  her  too  this  morning,  if  she  will 
allow  me.  Ah !  my  good  friends,  I  am  happy  this 
morning.  Mother,  here  is  a  letter  that  will  bring 
me  greater  joy  still.  Will  you  please  post  it?  I  will 
not  trust  it  with  any  one  but  you.  I  will  take  a  little 
breakfast  while  my  room  is  arranged,  and  then  I  will 
rest.  Do  not  awake  me  for  dinner,  but  let  me  sleep 
all  day  if  I  can." 


Viola's  Love.  243 

The  letter  Shepard  handed  to  Mrs.  Stanley  was  ad- 
dressed to  his  wife,  so  she  thoug^ht  he  was  sending  for 
his  family.  She  did  not  know  it  was  a  letter  inquiring 
about  her  son.  In  handing  her  that  letter  he  felt  he 
was  bringing  mother  and  son  closer,  and  it  filled  him 
with  joy.  He  was  happy,  for  he  was  going  to  make 
her  happy  and  atone  for  the  wrong  he  would  have 
done  her  by  taking  away  her  child.  His  slumbers 
were  sweet  that  day,  and  when  he  went  to  spend  an 
hour  in  the  parlor  after  supper,  Mrs.  Stanley  and  Jen- 
nie thought  they  had  never  seen  him  so  happy. 

When  he  did  not  receive  a  letter  by  return  mail 
from  his  wife  he  grew  nervous  and  became  afraid  that 
Thompson  had  left  the  country.  He  wrote  again,  ask- 
ing her  if  she  had  heard  from  Bill  Thompson  and  to 
send  his  address  at  once  if  she  had.  Next  day  he  got 
an  answer  to  his  first  letter.  She  wrote  that  Thompson 
had  sent  the  money  he  owed  and  a  present  for  each  of 
the  little  ones,  but  she  had  lost  the  letter  and  did  not 
remember  the  address. 

Shepard  was  much  troubled,  and  thought  to  go 
home  and  seek  the  letter  himself,  but  after  some 
thought  he  concluded  it  was  no  use  for  him  to  go  if 
Maggie  could  not  find  it ;  so  he  wrote :  "  Find  that 
letter  by  all  means.  Upset  everything  in  the  house, 
throw  everything  into  the  street,  but  find  that  letter. 
I  must  have  the  letter  or  the  address,  cost  what  it 
will." 

A  week  passed  and  no  answer.  Shepard  had  lost  his 
smile,  he  ate  and  slept  little,  his  face  was  pale  and  his 
eyes  sunken.  The  thought  that  the  wanderer  might 
be  gone  again  and  lost  for  ever  was  more  than  he 
could  bear,  and  the  anxiety  was  breaking  him  down. 

Friday's  mail  brought  him  a  letter.  It  ran  :  "  I  can- 
not find  the  letter  anywhere.  It  is  not  in  the  house. 
It  must  have  been  burnt  with  waste  papers." 

Shepard  had  opened  and  read  it  with  feverish  haste, 


544  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

and  when  he  finished  he  felt  sick.  He  went  to  his 
room  and  lay  down,  and  when  he  arose  he  had  marked 
out  his  course.  He  would  go  home  and  see  his  wife. 
Surely  she  must  remember  the  state,  if  not  the  town 
the  letter  came  from.  From  home  he  would  take  the 
trail  and  never  rest  until  he  found  the  wanderer.  He 
knew  it  would  be  no  use  to  advertise,  for  if  Thomp- 
son saw  it  he  would  fly  the  country  and  leave  no  trace 
behind. 

He  went  to  the  parlor,  and  finding  Mrs.  Stanley 
there,  he  said :  ''  My  friends,  I  find  there  is  a  matter  at 
home  that  requires  my  attention,  so  I  shall  start  home 
to-morrow.  I  cannot  tell  how  long  I  shall  be  absent, 
but  if  I  find  I  cannot  return  soon  I  will  inform  you 
by  letter.  I  have  some  arrangements  to  make  at  the 
mine,  so  shall  not  leave  until  after  dinner,  and  by 
taking  a  good  horse  I  then  can  catch  the  train  East." 

"  I  hope  there  is  nothing  serious,"  said  Mrs.  Stan- 
ley. 

"  I  hope  not,"  said  Shepard,  ''  though  I  am  much 
troubled  at  present." 

Mrs.  Stanley  urged  him  to  bring  his  wife  and  fam- 
ily back  with  him,  but  Shepard  would  not  promise. 
It  was  a  little  past  noon  next  day  when  Shepard  came 
down  from  the  mine,  and  when  he  walked  in  to  dinner 
Mrs.  Stanley  said :  "  We  concluded  to  dine  with 
you  to-day,  as  you  are  going  away,  so  we  have  waited 
for  you." 

Shepard  was  pleased  and  thanked  her  for  the  honor, 
and  gave  Jennie  a  bright  smile.  He  determined  then 
and  there  to  find  Thompson  if  man  could  do  it,  but 
dared  not  tell  them  of  his  hopes,  for  fear  Thompson 
might  not  be  the  son  and  brother.  As  they  arose  from 
dinner,  John  came  in  with  the  mail  and  placed  it  on 
the  parlor  table,  and  informed  Shepard  that  there 
were  letters  for  him.  Shepard  went  with  the  ladies, 
and   Jennie   sorted   and   handed   the   letters   to   him. 


Viola's  Love.  ^45 

There  was  one  from  his  wife,  so  he  slowly  opened  it, 
and  as  he  did  so  he  discovered  two  letters  in  the  en- 
velope, one  of  them  in  a  man's  bold  hand.  He  became 
.Sfreatly  excited,  and  his  hand  shook  until  he  could 
hardly  see  the  lines  of  his  wife's  short  note,  but  as  his 
eyes  caught  the  words  he  read :  *'  Enclosed  find  Mr. 
Thompson's  letter.  I  have  just  found  it  in  little  Jack's 
pocket." 

Tears  of  joy  came  to  his  eyes  and  he  cried :  "  Jack 
saved  it!  God  bless  little. Jack!  "  and  he  then  rushed 
to  his  room. 

The  two  women  looked  at  each  other  for  a  moment, 
when  Jennie  said :  ''  He  acts  strangely,  mother,  but 
this  time  he  has  received  good  news,  so  you  must  ex- 
cuse him." 

Mrs.  Stanley  kissed  her  daughter  and  said :  "  It 
is  a  pity,  darling,  that  you  cannot  cure  him.  It  is  a 
pity  he  is  bound  to  another." 

Shepard  threw  himself  into  a  chair  and  devoured 
Thompson's  letter.  It  gave  an  account  of  some  hard- 
ships he  had  gone  through,  as  it  was  some  time  be- 
fore he  obtained  work,  and  closed  with  thanks  for 
Shepard's  kindness  and  help.     The  letter  was  dated  at 

T City,  Nevada.     Shepard  was  delighted.    T 

City  was  only  fifty  miles  from  V ,  so  he  deter- 
mined to  see  Thompson  that  night  and  bring  him  to 
Mrs.  Stanley  at  once. 

He  went  back  to  the  ladies  and  said :  "  I  suppose 
you  think  you  have  a  very  strange  boarder.  Well, 
it  is  quite  true,  for  I  have  become  quite  nervous  and 
changeable  lately,  and  I  change  again  to-day,  for  I 
will  not  go  home  now.  My  letter  brings  me  good 
news,  excellent  news,  and  I  am  not  needed  at  home. 
Since  I  have  arranged  to  go  away,  I  will  lay  off  work 
and  go  down  the  valley  and  attend  to  some  other  busi- 
ness. Would  you  please  let  me  have  the  single  buggy 
for  two  or  three  days  ?  " 


546  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

His  request  was  granted  freely,  and  he  was  off  by 
five  o'clock.  He  drove  slowly  through  the  town,  but 
when  once  in  the  country  he  laid  the  whip  on  the  will- 
ing beast  and  fairly  flew  along.  About  twenty-five 
miles  out  he  fed  his  horse  at  a  ranch  and  then  pushed 
along  again. 


Just  in  Time.  247 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

JUST   IN   TIME. 

Shepard  reached  T City  at  three  o'clock  in  the 

morning  feeling  weary  with  his  long  ride.  Coming 
up  to  a  saloon  he  heard  a  crowd  singing.  He  tied  up 
his  horse  and  went  to  the  door  to  listen,  thinking 
Thompson  might  be  there.  He  was  right  in  his  con- 
jecture, for  presently  Thompson  sang,  "  And  we  won't 
go  home  till  morning." 

Shepard's  great  fear  that  Thompson  would  be  gone 
was  over,  and  he  walked  into  the  saloon  with  heart 
bounding.  Shepard  went  up  to  the  bar  and  called  for 
a  cigar,  and  as  he  slowly  cut  the  end  off  it  he  looked 
around  the  room.  Thompson  had  finished  the  song 
and  was  standing  by  a  table,  and  saying :  "  I  must 
go  now,  for  my  partners  want  to  start  pretty  early. 
Good-by,  boys ;  if  I  come  this  way  again  I  shall  be 
glad  to  see  you." 

**  Good-by,  Bill !  Good-by,  old  pard  !  "  echoed  the 
men  around  him,  *'  and  write  us  and  let  us  know  how 
you  like  Mexico." 

Shepard  drew  a  deep  breath.  Another  day  and  he 
would  have  been  too  late.  As  the  wanderer  went  to- 
ward the  door,  Shepard  stepped  up  to  him  and  said: 
"  Hello,  Thompson.     How  are  you  ?  " 

Thompson  looked  at  Shepard  and  said,  "  You  have 
the  best  of  me,  stranger,  for  I  don't  know  you." 

Shepard  smiled  and  said,  "  Don't  you  remember  the 
Mountain  Mine,  the  engineer  and  little  Jack?  " 


248  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

"  Shepard,  by  God !  "  exclaimed  Thompson  in  sur- 
prise. ''Why,  old  boy,  I  did  not  know  you!  What 
brings  you  here  ?  I  am  damned  glad  to  see  you ! 
Come  and  take  a  drink." 

Shepard  saw  that  Thompson  had  already  drank  too 
much,  but  stepped  up  to  the  bar  and  drank  with  him. 
He  knew  it  was  not  the  time  to  refuse. 

''  What  brought  you  here  ?  "  said  Thompson  when 
he  put  down  his  glass,  ''  and  how  are  the  folks  ?  " 

"  Show  me  a  stable,"  said  Shepard,  "  and  when  I 
put  my  horse  up  I  will  tell  you  all  about  it." 

When  the  horse  was  cared  for  Shepard  asked 
Thompson  where  he  slept.  "  At  the  hotel,"  he  an- 
swered. 

"  Does  any  one  room  with  you  ?  " 

"  No." 

''  Can  I  stop  with  you  to-night  ?  " 

"  Yes,  and  glad  to  have  you.  Come  along,"  said 
Thompson. 

When  they  were  seated  in  Thompson's  room  Shep- 
ard told  him  how  he  came  West,  and  of  being  placed 
in  charge  of  the  Silver  Star,  and  of  buying  an  interest 
in  a  mine,  and  closed  by  saying :  ''  My  wife  sent  me 
your  letter,  and  when  I  found  you  were  here  I  con- 
cluded to  come  and  see  you.  And  I  want  you  to  go 
back  with  me.  I  am  going  to  put  another  shift  on  my 
tunnel,  and  you  can  sharpen  tools  and  take  charge  of 
the  work." 

"  Thanks,  Shepard,"  said  Thompson.  "  You  make  a 
good  offer,  but  I  can't  take  it,  for  I  start  with  two 
of  the  boys  to-morrow  for  Old  Mexico." 

"  Have  you  hired  to  work  there  ?  " 

''  No,  we  go  to  see  the  country." 

"  Then  give  up  the  idea,  and  come  with  me.'^ 

"  No,  I  cannot  do  so.'' 

"  Why,  are  you  owing  these  men  you  are  going 
with?" 


Just  in  Time.  249 

"  No,  I  owe  no  one,  but  I  don't  care  to  break  my 
promise,  and  I  want  to  go  anyway,  for  I  am  tired  of 
this  country.'* 

**  Tell  the  men,"  said  Shepard,  "  that  you  have 
gotten  a  better  thing  and  don't  intend  to  go.  If  they 
want  work  I  will  give  them  a  job  if  thev  will  come  to 
V ." 

Thompson  finally  consented  to  go  with  Shepard, 
and  they  retired  to  rest,  and  Thompson  was  soon  sleep- 
ing soundly.  Shepard  lay  awake  thinking  how  best 
to  break  the  news  to  him.  He  dared  not  mention  it 
while  he  was  under  the  influence  of  drink,  for  he  knew 
Thompson  would  be  much  excited  when  he  heard  his 
mother  and  sister  were  living,  and  near  to  him.  He 
concluded  not  to  mention  it  until  he  got  him  away 
from  town. 

Shepard  was  quite  weary,  but  afraid  to  sleep  for 
fear  Thompson  might  get  up  and  leave,  so  reluctant 
did  he  seem  in  his  promise  to  go.  Shepard  fell  into 
a  doze,  then  started  up,  looked  around  and  got  up  and 
locked  the  door,  and  placed  the  key  under  his  pillow, 
and  then  lay  down  and  slept.  He  was  awakened  by 
the  sound  of  an  angry  voice,  and  raising  on  his  elbow 
he  saw  Thompson  looking  on  the  floor  for  the  key,  and 
saying  to  himself,  '*  The  damned  thing's  gone  sure 
enough." 

Shepard  called  him.  "  What  is  the  matter,  Thomp- 
son ?  " 

And  Thompson  replied :  "  Some  damned  son  of  a 
gun  has  been  here  and  locked  the  door  and  taken  the 
key." 

Shepard  laughed  and  said :  "  The  key  is  all  right, 
for  I  have  it,  but  why  hurry  off?  " 

"  I  am  thirsty  and  want  a  drink  to  brace  me  up. 
What  made  you  lock  the  door,  and  place  the  key  under 
your  pillow  ?  " 

"  Well,  you  see,  I  have  considerable  money  with 


250  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

me,  and  I  could  not  rest  with  the  door  unlocked,  and 
it  is  a  habit  of  mine  to  put  the  key  under  the  pillow. 
Don't  rush  off,  but  wait  till  I  dress,  and  I  will  go  and 
take  a  drink  with  you." 

They  got  their  drinks,  and  then  partook  of  break- 
fast. Shepard  then  went  to  order  his  horse  while 
Thompson  saw  his  partners.  They  strongly  opposed 
his  going  with  Shepard,  and  asked  who  he  was? 
When  they  were  informed  he  came  from  Utah  they 
were  very  bitter  and  one  said :  **  Don't  go  with  the 
damned  Mormon ;  he  will  bilk  you  in  the  end." 

**  He  is  not  a  Mormon,"  replied  Thompson^  '*  and 
he  would  not  bilk  me,  but  I  would  rather  go  to  Mexico, 
so  I  will  go  with  you." 

"  Thompson  went  to  the  stable  to  Shepard  and  said : 
"  The  boys  don't  want  me  to  leave  them,  and  as  I  am 
tired  of  this  country  I  will  go  with  them.  I  thank  you 
for  your  kindness  and  shall  never  forget  it." 

Shepard  talked  earnestly  to  Thompson  and  con- 
cluded by  saying :  "  After  our  great  friendship  and  the 
little  favors  I  have  been  able  to  render  you,  now  that 
you  can  do  me  a  service,  would  you  rather  please  these 
new  friends  ?  " 

Thompson  was  affected  and  answered :  "If  you  feel 
that  way  about  it  I  will  go  with  you,  but  I  won't 
promise  to  stay  long." 

''  All  right,"  said  Shepard.  *'  Get  your  things  and 
we  will  start  at  once,  for  the  horse  is  ready.  You  can 
tell  your  friends  when  we  pass  them  that  you  have 
concluded  to  go  with  me." 

They  were  off  in  a  few  minutes,  and  as  they  drove 
up  to  Thompson's  friends,  Shepard  saw  they  were 
bad  men.  Thompson  told  them  he  would  not  go  to 
Mexico  at  present,  and  Shepard  added,  "  If  you  want 

work   and   will   come   to   V I    will   employ   you 

both." 

''  We  don't  want  your  work,"   exclaimed  one  of 


Just  in  Time.  251 

them,  "  and  let  me  tell  you,  that  you  are  a  damned 
fine  fellow  to  come  here  and  break  up  our  plans.  It 
is  just  like  a  Mormon  to  come  sneaking  around  with 
fine  promises,  and  no  one  but  a  Mormon  cur  would 
do  it.  It  is  a  damned  dirty  trick.  Couldn't  you  get 
men  without  coming  here  ?  " 

"  Yes,"  Shepard  answered,  "  but  I  want  this  man." 

"  Why  do  you  want  him  ?     What  is  he  to  you  ?  " 

"  I  have  particular  reasons  of  my  own,  and  it  is 
none  of  your  business." 

Shepard  made  a  mistake  in  saying  "  particular 
reasons,"  for  Thompson,  ever  uneasy  and  ready  to 
think  he  was  still  an  object  of  search  by  the  officers 
of  the  law,  moved  uneasily  in  his  seat  as  Shepard 
spoke,  and  the  wild  frightened  look  came  for  a  mo- 
ment into  his  eyes,  but  it  was  gone  in  an  instant,  and 
his  sudden  fear  was  forgotten  as  the  miner  said  to 
Shepard :  "  You  are  a  damned  liar,  it  is  my  business ; 
for  it  has  upset  all  my  plans,  and  I  have  a  good  mind 
to  break  your  Mormon  head." 

Thompson  would  have  sprung  from  the  buggy,  but 
Shepard  restrained  him  and  said :  "  Keep  quiet,  this 
is  my  aflfair  and  I  will  settle  it." 

Thompson  exclaimed :  "  It  is  my  aflfair  too,  and  in- 
stead of  going  with  him,  I  will  beat  the  damned  stuflf- 
ing  out  of  him." 

"  Keep  still,"  said  Shepard,  and  then  turned  to  the 
miner  saying:  **  I  did  not  come  here  to  quarrel,  I  do 
not  wish  trouble,  and  I  have  not  the  time  to  stop 
and  kick  every  rabid  dog  that  barks  at  me.  But 
if  you  want  anything  and  really  wish  to  break  my 
head — turn  yourself  loose,  you  black-faced  hound." 

The  miner  took  a  step  nearer  the  buggy,  but  stopped 
suddenly,  for  there  was  a  gleam  in  Shepard's  eyes 
that  cq)ved  him.  The  other  miner  then  said :  **  Never 
mind  him,  Pete,  let  the  damned  Mormon  go." 

**  I  am  not  a  Mormon,"  said  Shepard,  "  but  I  will 


252  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

tell  you  that  a  decent  Mormon  has  more  manhood  than 
a  thousand  whelps  like  you.  What  do  you  know  of 
Mormonism,  you  ignorant  fools?  If  you  knew  any- 
thing at  all  about  it  you  would  hate  the  creed,  and  not 
all  the  people.  But  you  are  too  ignorant  or  stupid 
to  see  that  many  of  the  Mormons  are  struggling  to 
do  right,  and  be  what  such  things  as  you  never  dreamt 
of  being,  that  is,  honorable  men.  If  you  want  any- 
thing from  me,  take  it  quick,  for  I  have  no  time  to 
waste  wrangling  with  mangy  curs." 

The  miners  were  so  surprised  at  Shepard's  white 
face  and  low  passionate  words,  that  they  stood  staring 
at  him  speechless. 

Thompson  laughed  at  them  and  said :  "  You  have 
struck  the  wrong  man,  boys,  and  unless  you  are  care- 
ful you'll  get  hurt.  Take  my  advice  and  get  away 
from  here." 

A  little  crowd  had  gathered  around,  so  the  miners 
slunk  away  without  another  word.  Shepard  touched 
the  horse,  and  as  they  spun  along,  said  bitterly :  "  The 
cursed  name  of  Mormon  never  seems  to  leave  a  man 
that  has  lived  long  in  Utah.  Go  where  you  will  they 
think  you  are  a  Mormon  still.  I  suppose  it  arises  from 
the  fact  of  so  many  Mormons  denying  their  faith 
when  working  out  of  Utah." 

As  they  rode  along,  Shepard  asked  Thompson  about 
his  travels  in  other  lands.  He  asked  if  he  had  been 
in  Africa,  Australia,  or  any  of  the  mining  countries. 
Thompson  evaded  answering,  and  became  very  rest- 
less. Then  Shepard  asked  about  the  men  he  had  met 
on  his  travels.  Thompson  began  to  describe  and  tell 
stories  about  them,  and  it  seemed  as  if  he  would  never 
finish. 

A  great  fear  had  come  over  Thompson,  for  he  knew 
there  was  some  reason  for  Shepard  asking  so  many 
questions,  for  it  was  not  like  him  to  do  so.  He 
thought  of  the  locked  bedroom  door,  and  of  Shepard's 


Just  In  Time.  253 

answer  to  the  miner  when  he  said :  "  I  have  particular 
reasons  of  my  own."  He  could  not  see  how  Shepard 
could  know  anything  of  his  past  life.  Still  he  was 
much  troubled,  and  told  stories  to  prevent  Shepard 
asking  questions,  and  determined  to  skip  at  the  first 
opportunity. 

But  Shepard  was  not  going  to  be  out-generaled,  so 
he  asked  at  the  end  of  one  of  the  stories :  '*  Did  you 
ever  meet  a  lively  young  chap  by  the  name  of  Jack 
Weston?" 

At  the  question  Thompson  sprang  from  the  buggy, 
and  was  going  to  fly  when  Shepard  cried,  **  Don't 
run,  Jack,  or  I  shall  fire." 

Thompson  glanced  around  and  saw  that  Shepard 
had  him  covered  with  a  pistol.  He  saw  it  would  be 
folly  to  run,  so  stood  quite  still  and  said :  "  What  is 
the  matter  with  you,  Shepard  ?  My  name  is  not  Jack, 
but  Bill  Thompson?  Don't  you  remember  the  boys 
always  called  me  Billy  Thompson  ?  " 

**  Yes,  I  remember,  but  your  real  name  is  John 
Weston.  Get  into  the  buggy,  and  listen  to  what  I 
have  to  tell  you." 

"  You  are  mistaken,  Shepard ;  my  name  is  not 
Weston,  and  I  never  knew  such  a  man." 

Shepard  had  not  a  doubt  about  Thompson's  being 
the  lost  John  Weston,  but  to  be  doubly  sure  he  asked : 
"  Did  you  ever  know  Steve  Thornton  ?  " 

Thompson  turned  deadly  pale  and  shook  so  dread- 
fully that  Shepard  thought  he  would  fall.  But  by  a 
great  effort  he  controlled  his  fear  and  replied :  "  No, 
I  never  knew  him." 

Shepard  sat  for  a  short  time  gazing  at  Thompson, 
and  there  came  a  great  pity  in  his  heart.  He  felt  sure 
he  had  found  Weston,  but  he  must  have  an  acknowl- 
edgment of  it  before  he  took  him  to  his  mother  and 
sister,  so  he  asked  with  a  sweet  tenderness  in  his 


254  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

voice :  "  Did  you  ever  know  Kate  J.  and  Ella  J. 
Weston  ?  " 

At  the  mention  of  those  loved  names  the  wanderer 
burst  into  tears  and  sobbed  like  a  child.  Shepard's 
eyes  were  not  dry  as  he  asked :  "  Were  not  those 
women  your  mother  and  sister  ?  " 

Thompson  answered :  "  They  were  my  mother 
and  sister,  and  they  died  through  sorrow  over  my 
crime." 

Shepard  put  away  his  pistol;  it  was  not  reguired 
now  for  Thompson  was  conquered.  Alighting  from 
the  buggy  Shepard  took  the  wanderer's  hand  and  said : 
"  I  know  all  of  your  secret,  all  of  your  life  from  the 
time  you  were  born  until  your  flight  from  home,  and 
knowing  it  all  I  can  take  your  hand  in  strongest  friend- 
ship. We  were  alwa3^'s  friends,  let  us  now  be  brothers. 
Can  you  trust  me  ?  " 

Thompson  pressed  Shepard's  hand  and  answered : 
"  I  can." 

"  Then  take  your  seat  again,  and  I  will  speak  of 
your  mother  and  sister." 

The  tears  came  afresh  to  Thompson  and  he  said : 
"  My  mother  and  sister  are  dead,  killed  by  my  mad 
crime." 

"  Where  did  you  get  that  idea  ?  "  asked  Shepard. 

"  I  saw  it  in  an  English  paper." 

"  That  was  a  fake  notice,  Jack.  It  was  written 
by  your  mother,  as  she  wished  to  be  lost  to  all  her 
friends,  and  she  never  dreamed  of  it  being  seen  by 
you.  Your  mother  and  sister  are  living  and  are  my 
best  friends." 

"  What  ?  "  shrieked  Jack,  "  my  mother  and  sister 
still  living !  Not  dead,  but,  but — known  to  you  !  Oh, 
Shepard,  don't  deceive  me !  Kill  me  if  you  wish,  but 
don't  deceive  me. 

Thompson,  or  Jack,  as  we  shall  now  call  him,  was 
greatly  excited,  and  shook  like  a  leaf  in  the  storm. 


Just  in  Time.  255 

Shepard  answered :  "  I  do  not  deceive  yoit.  Your 
mother  and  sister  live,  and  we  are  going  to  them." 

*'  O,  God !  "  cried  Jack,  ''  what  have  I  done  to  de- 
serve such  joy  as  this?  I,  the  worthless  wanderer,  to 
have  a  mother  and  sister,  and  go  about  the  world 
with  hopeless  heart  longing  for  death !  Oh,  Shepard, 
my  friend !  I  am  a  disgrace  to  them,  and  not  worthy 
of  their  name.  But  if  they  will  forgive  me  I  will 
devote  myself  to  them,  and  try  to  atone  for  the  past 
by  living  a  life  above  reproach." 

Shepard  calmed  him,  and  spoke  words  of  com- 
fort, and  said :  **  We  must  go  now,  and  as  we  ride 
along  you  can  relate  to  me  how  you  escaped  from 
Australia." 

When  they  started,  Jack  said :  "  I  left  Australia 
disguised  as  a  woman,  and  have  been  wandering  about 
the  world  ever  since,  except  for  about  a  year  when  I 
was  learning  to  be  a  blacksmith.  Please  tell  me  all 
\ou  know  about  my  mother,  and  how  you  became 
acquainted  with  her." 

Shepard  told  him  all,  and  did  not  omit  his  own  base 
wish  in  wanting  Jennie  to  run  off  with  him.  Jack's 
tears  fell  like  rain  as  he  listened  to  the  recital  of  his 
mother's  sorrow  and  search  for  him.  It  was  some  time 
before  he  spoke.  He  was  thinking  of  the  strangeness 
of  life,  and  of  Shepard's  love  for  his  sister.  At  last 
he  said :  **  Do  you  love  my  sister  so  dearly  that  you 
would  have  left  your  wife  and  family  for  her?  " 

The  question  brought  the  tears  into  Shepard's  eyes, 
and  he  could  not  speak,  so  Jack  continued :  "  We  will 
be  friends  always,  for  you  are  more  to  me  than  any 
man  I  ever  knew,  and  if  it  were  possible  I  should  be 
happy  to  see  my  sister  your  wife.  I  should  feel  hon- 
ored by  the  connection." 

Shepard  answered  quietly :  "  We  will  be  brothers 
and  Jennie  shall  be  my  sister." 

It  was  near  midnight  when  they  reached  V . 


256  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

Shepard  arranged  for  a  room  for  Jack  at  one  of  the 
hotels  and  said  to  the  proprietor :  "  This  is  my  friend, 
John  Stanley.  He  is  a  runaway  son  of  Mrs.  Stanley, 
and  as  she  has  not  seen  him  for  some  years,  I  think  it 
best  to  inform  her  of  his  return  before  I  take  him 
home." 

Shepard  then  drove  home  and  put  his  horse  in  the 
stable,  and  went  to  bed.  Jennie  was  surprised  to  see 
Shepard  walk  in  to  breakfast,  but  she  said,  sweetly, 
''  You  are  back  early,  and  I  see  from  your  happy  face 
that  you  have  been  successful  in  the  business  you 
went  upon." 

''Quite  successful,"  he  answered,  as  he  gazed  for  a 
moment  into  her  lovely  eyes.  When  breakfast  was 
over  he  did  not  go  to  the  mine  as  usual,  but  he 
walked  into  the  kitchen  and  chatted  with  the  girls. 
Mrs.  Stanley  was  superintending  the  breakfast  and 
said :  ''  I  am  pleased  to  see  you  back  again,  Mr.  Shep- 
ard. I  need  not  ask  you  if  all  went  well  with  you, 
for  you  show  it.  I  really  never  saw  you  so  joyous 
and  happy  before." 

Shepard  exclaimed  with  much  feeling :  "  I  never 
was  so  happy  before !  I  never,  in  all  my  mornings 
of  joy  and  hope,  felt  so  well!  I  shall  never  have 
another  morning  like  this  one,  never  have  another  so 
happy !  " 

He  said  the  last  words  a  little  sadly,  and  then  con- 
tinued cheerfully :  "  Mrs.  Stanley,  girls,  if  you  ever 
think  of  me  when  I  am  gone,  remember  this  is  the 
happiest  morning  of  my  life.  I  cannot  tell  you  more 
just  now,  but  you  will  understand  it  by  and  by." 

Turning  to  Mrs.  Stanley  with  a  smile  and  a  mis- 
chievous glance  at  the  girls,  he  said :  "  I  see  you  are 
busy,  so  I  will  not  take  you  away  to  weary  you  with 
an  account  of  the  mine,  but  I  would  like  to  talk  with 
Jennie  a  few  moments,  and  she  can  tell  you  at  your 
leisure." 


Just  in  Time.  257 

'*  I  can  spare  Jennie  for  a  short  time,"  said  Mrs. 
Stanley. 

*'  Have  you  struck  it  big?"  cried  Nellie. 

Shepard  laughed  and  answered :  "  Well,  I  think 
we  have,  judging  from  the  information  John  has  just 
given  nie.  He  is  now  waiting  in  the  parlor,  so  let  us 
go,  Jennie." 

She  followed  him,  wondering  greatly  that  he  should 
ask  her  to  go  instead  of  her  mother.  Her  wonder  was 
increased  when  she  reached  the  parlor  and  saw.  John 
striding  about  the  floor  rubbing  his  hands  with  glee, 
and  sending  great  clouds  of  smoke  from  his  pipe. 
She  paused  at  the  door,  for  she  could  hardly  face  the 
smoke. 

Shepard  noticed  it  and  said :  "  Would  you  let  your 
pipe  rest  a  little,  John  ?  " 

John  looked  around  the  room  and  said :  "  I  beg  your 
pardon,  sir ;  I  beg  your  pardon,  miss,  for  I  didn't  know 
I  was  doing  it.  Come  in,  miss,  I  won't  take  another 
pull  till  I  go  out.  You  see,  miss,  I  am  excited  this 
morning  at  having  heard  good  news.  It  is  news  that 
makes  my  old  heart  feel  young  again.  It  makes  me 
feel  all  jigs  like  a  dancing  master." 

John  hopped  about  the  floor,  and  took  short  pulls 
at  his  pipe  again.  Shepard  laughed  and  said :  "  Your 
tobacco  is  strong." 

John  stopped  suddenly  and  exclnimed :  "  Damn 
the  pipe.  I  am  at  it  aga'n.  I'll  chuck  it  out,  miss, 
it  shall  not  trouble  you  again." 

**  Keep  your  pipe,"  said  Jennie,  pleasantly,  "  but 
please  tell  me  about  the  mine." 

**  Well,  miss,  one  of  the  workmen  was  over  last 
nicfht  and  told  me  they  had  struck  a  two-foot  vein  of 
rich  ore.  and  if  it  holds  out  it  will  be  a  bonanza,  sure." 

Jennie  smiled  and  said :  **  Why,  John,  you  could  not 
l)e  more  pleased  if  you  owned  the  mine." 

'*  Xo,  miss,  I  could  not  feel  better  if  I  owned  all  the 


258  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

mines  in  camp;  but  it  is  not  the  mine  that  makes  us 
feel  so  well,  is  it,  Mr.  Shepard  ?  " 

John  looked  at  Shepard  and  he  answered :  *'  You  are 
right,  and  though  it  is  a  great  pleasure  to  find  we 
have  struck  ore,  it  is  little  compared  to  the  cause  of 
our  joy.     Please  tell  Miss  Stanley  all  about  it,  John." 

"  I  cannot  do  it,  sir,  I  don't  know  how  to'.begin. 
You  will  have  to  tell  her." 

"  Then,  you  will  please  bring  out  the  horse  and 
buggy  while  I  do  so." 

'*  With  pleasure,  sir,"  said  John,  and  he  left  the 
room. 

Jennie  was  still  standing,  so  Shepard  took  her  hand 
and  said :  "  Jennie,  love,  I  have  good  news  for  you 
and  your  mother.  It  will  be  a  surprise  for  you  all,  so 
I  wished  you  to  be  told  first,  so  you  can  in  your  own 
sweet  way  inform  your  mother.  Can  you  guess  what 
it  is?" 

Jennie  looked  into  his  eyes  and  replied :  "  No,  I  can- 
not guess,  for  I  have  no  idea  what  it  can  be,  but  I 
know  it  must  be  something  pleasant  since  it  makes 
you  so  happy." 

She  never  once  thought  it  was  her  brother  he  was 
going  to  speak  about,  for  Jack  was  not  in  her  mind. 
Shepard  pressed  her  hand  and  said  earnestly :  *'  Do 
not  be  startled,  dear,  at  the  news  I  bring  you.  It  is 
good  news,  and  what  you  have  been  searching  for, 
for  a  long,  long  time." 

Jennie's  hand  clutched  his  own  with  a  quick,  nervous 
grasp  as  she  exclaimed,  "  Have  you  heard  of  my 
brother?" 

"  Yes,  love,  I  have  heard  of  him,  and  I  think  we 
can  find  him." 

Jennie  cried  excitedly :  "  Heard  of  my  brother  ? 
Oh,  Mr.  Shepard,  you  are  not  mistaken?  You  are 
sure  it  is  Jack  ?  " 

Shepard  led  her  to  a  seat,  and  then  briefly  related 


Just  in  Time.  ^59 

his  acquaintance  with  Bill  Thompson,  and  how  it  had 
flashed  upon  him  on  the  night  that  he  broke  the  stand, 
that  Thompson  was  her  lost  brother.  He  stated  how 
he  had  written  home,  and  upon  learning  that  Thomp- 
son's letter  was  lost,  he  intended  to  go  home  to  see 
about  it  when  he  received  a  letter  from  home  along 
with  the  lost  letter,  it  having  been  found  in  little 
Jack's  pocket. 

Shepard  then   said :   "  I   found  Thompson   was   at 

T in  this  State,  so  on  pretence  of  going  away  on 

business,  I  went  to  T ,  and  was  just  in  time  to  stop 

Thompson  from  going  to  Mexico.  I  have  proven  to 
my  satisfaction  that  Thompson  is  your  wandering 
brother,  and  he  is  now  at  Gray's  Hotel  waiting  to  be 
brought  home.  Please  prepare  your  mother  while  I 
go  over  with  John  for  him." 

Jennie  was  greatly  affected  and  arose  with  tears  in 
her  eyes  and  said :  '*  My  dear  Mr.  Shepard,  these  will 
indeed  be  tidings  of  great  joy  to  my  mother.  I  can- 
not find  words  to  fully  thank  you  for  what  you  have 
done,  but,"  and  she  placed  her  hand  upon  her  heart, 
"  you  are  enshrined  here,  your  image  fills  its  inmost 
recess,  for  you  are  the  one  man  in  all  the  world  that 
I  love." 

Shepard's  eyes  were  moist  as  he  said :  *'  Do  you  for- 
gave me  for  my  mad  desire  to  take  you  from  home?  " 

Jennie  threw  her  arms  about  his  neck  and  exclaimed 
fervently :  "  You  dear,  foolish  man.  Do  you  not  know 
that  those  who  are  not  offended  have  nothing  to  for- 
give? You  have  done  us  no  wrong,  but  have  proved 
yourself  good  and  true,  and  I  love  you  so  dearly  that 
I  could  break  the  vom  I  made  never  to  marry  if  I 
could  marry  you.  I  would  count  it  the  most  precious 
thing  in  aJl  the  world  to  call  you  husband." 

She  kissed  him  once  more  with  her  deep  thrilling 
kiss,  and  then  left  him  quivering,  his  brain  in  a  de- 
licious whirl. 


26o  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

Shepard  went  out  and  the  sunny  morning'  seemed 
more  glorious  than  ever,  since  Jennie  kissed  him.  He 
stepped  into  the  buggy  and  said :  ''  To  Gray's,  John." 

The  meeting  between  Jack  Stanley  and  John  was 
most  affecting,  for  the  old  servant  almost  worshiped 
his  young  master.  After  they  had  talked  a  little 
Shepard  said :  "  I  am  going  to  the  mine  now,  and  you 
can  go  home,  for  the  ladies  will  be  anxious  to  see  you. 
I  shall  be  down  to  dinner,  so  good-by  until  then." 

We  will  pass  over  the  meetmg  of  mother  and  son, 
of  sister  and  brother.  Such  meetings  come  to  the 
lives  of  few.  When  it  was  over  Mrs.  Stanley  asked 
for  Shepard,  and  when  informed  he  was  gone  to  the 
mine  she  said  tenderly :  "  Dear  Shepard,  always  think- 
ing of  others  and  never  of  himself." 

When  Shepard  returned  at  noon  he  was  over- 
whelmed with  kindness.  To  Mrs.  Stanley's  heartfelt 
thanks  he  said :  "  Please  don't,  I  do  not  deserve  them." 
But  nevertheless,  Shepard  was  a  happy  man,  and  he 
had  truly  said  it  was  the  happiest  day  of  his  life,  for 
he  felt  the  sweets  of  a  good  deed,  and  having  in  a 
measure  atoned  for  the  injury  he  would  have  done 
them. 

That  evening  Mrs.  Stanley  had  a  private  talk  with 
Shepard  and  said :  **  I  shall  now  give  up  the  boarding-- 
house,  for  I  have  no  longer  an  object  in  keeping  it, 
and  having  struck  rich  ore,  people  will  chink  that  is 
the  reason  I  gave  it  up,  and  I  am  willing  they  should 
think  so.  Your  informing  Gray  that  Jack  had  run 
away  from  home  saves  me  answering  unpleasant  ques- 
tions, and  places  everything  at  rest  in  resfard  to  him. 
I  intend  to  give  a  farewell  party  when  I  close  the 
house,  so  send  for  your  wife  and  family  that  they  may 
be  here  to  attend  it.  I  will  refurnish  the  house,  and 
make  it  comfortable  for  all.  You  must  send  for  your 
wife  at  once.  I  will  have  no  delay,  and  if  you  do 
not  send  for  your  family  I  will  do  so.     Please  place 


Just  in  Time.  261 

my  son  in  charge  of  our  mine — under  yourself,  of 
course.  It  is  likely  he  will  become  restless  after  the 
wild  life  he  has  led  if  he  has  nothing  to  do  in  a  quiet 
place  like  this.  Interest  him  all  you  can  in  the  mine 
and  your  business,  and  we  may  cause  him  to  forget 
the  past.  In  regard  to  yourself  I  shall  always  con- 
sider you  a  son,  and  will  assist  you  in  any  undertaking. 
I  shall  feel  hurt  if  you  do  not  call  upon  me  if  you  need 
assistance  at  any  time,  but  first  of  all  send  for  your 
wife  and  family." 

Shepard  promised,  and  kept  his  word  by  writing 
home  next  morning.  He  advised  his  wife  to  sell,  but 
if  she  could  not  do  so,  to  rent  the  house.  .  Not  being 

able  to  sell,  Maggie  rented  and  went  to  V .     She 

expected  to  feel  strange  and  homesick  in  her  new 
home,  and  was  agreeably  surprised  to  find  her  new 
home  so  pleasant.  So  she  said  to  Shepard  at  the  end 
of  the  first  week :  "  It  is  like  coming  home  to  my 
mother  and  sister." 

The  little  ones  felt  at  home  at  once,  and  when  little 
Jack  found  that  Jennie  could  make  candy  he  said  in 
his  cute  way  :  "  Won't  you  cook  me  some  ?  "  So  Jen- 
nie cooked  and  cooked,  but  could  not  make  too  much 
for  little  Jack.  He  became  Mrs.  Stanley's  favorite, 
and  spent  most  of  his  time  with  her.  Mrs.  Stanley 
gave  her  party,  and  the  house  was  full  to  overflowing. 
Jack  Stanley  was  full  of  life  and  fun,  but  not  more  so 
than  Shepard,  who  surprised  every  one.  The  quiet 
man  laid  away  his  reserve  for  once,  and  seemed  a 
light-hearted  boy  again.  Viola  was  there,  but  was 
hardly  her  old  self.  She  had  been  a  changed  woman 
since  her  chase  after  Shej)ard.  She  did  not  wish  to 
dance  or  sing,  but  Shepard  would  not  allow  her  to  be 
still,  and  as  they  whirled  together  in  the  dizzy  valse, 
the  old  light  returned  to  her  eyes  and  she  was  the 
superbly  brilliant  beauty  again.  Mrs.  Shepard  felt 
a  little  pang  of  jealousy  as  she  watched  them  glide 


"^(yi  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

along,  Viola's  black  flowing  tresses  sweeping  across 
his  face,  and  she  said  to  herself :  "  I  wish  he  wouldn't 
be  so  boyish  to-night  and  want  to  dance  with  every- 
body, and  especially  that  black-eyed  witch.  He  likes 
black  eyes,  I  know — and  I  don't." 

She  closed  her  mouth  tightly,  and  then  went  over  to 
Mrs.  Stanley,  who  was  watching  the  dancers.  But 
when  Mrs.  Stanle}»  turned  her  dark  eyes  upon  her, 
Mrs.  Shepard  was  compelled  to  admit  that  she  did 
like  some  black  eyes. 

When  Shepard  and  Jennie  glided  together  in  the 
valse,  it  struck  Mrs.  Shepard  that  they  were  the  hap- 
piest couple  in  the  room,  but  she  could  not  feel  jealous 
of  a  sweet  creature  like  Jennie.  All  passed  off  well, 
yet  Shepard  was  disappointed  at  one  thing.  He 
wished  Jack  Stanley  and  Viola  to  become  dear 
friends,  it  was  the  desire  of  his  heart  that  they  might 
love  each  other,  but  Viola  seemed  to  avoid  Jack,  and 
it  troubled  Shepard  greatly.  Not  that  she  seemed  to 
dislike  him,  for  she  was  kind  and  polite,  but  never 
remained  long  in  his  company. 

The  winter  passed  and  the  lovely  spring  came,  but 
Shepard  had  not  been  able  to  interest  Viola  in  Jack. 
On  the  other  hand  Jack  had  learned  to  love  Viola 
to  distraction  and  would  have  given  all  he  had  in  the 
world  for  a  smile  from  her.  He  became  restless  and 
miserable,  and  Mrs.  Stanley  and  Jennie  were 
troubled  about  him.  They  advised  him  to  be  brave 
and  conquer  his  passion.  They  said  if  Viola  loved 
him  it  would  be  wrong  to  marry  her  without  inform- 
ing her  of  his  crime,  and  if  it  was  revealed  to  her  he 
could  not  expect  her  to  love  and  marry  him.  They 
thought  it  best  that  he  put  this  love  away,  for  they 
did  not  believe  it  would  ever  be  returned. 

Shepard  held  a  different  view  of  it,  and  resolved 
upon  a  bold  step.  It  was  no  less  than  to  see  Viola 
and  speak  to  her  about  it.    He  saw  Mrs.  Beaumont 


Just  in  Time.  263 

about  it,  and  she  favored  Jack,  but  said :  "  If  we 
mention  it  to  her  she  will  hate  him." 

**  Leave  it  to  me,"  answered  Shepard,  ''  and  I  will 
see  her  about  it.  Could  you  go  shopping  some  after- 
noon and  leave  Viola  at  home  ?  " 

It  was  arranged,  and  one  lovely  afternoon  Shepard 
walked  over  to  Beaumont's  determined  to  talk  bravely 
for  his  friend. 

Viola  was  surprised  to  see  him,  and  to  his  inquiry 
for  Mrs.  Beaumont,  she  said :  ''  My  mother  is  out. 
Is  it  anything  I  can  do  for  you  ?  " 

She  offered  him  a  chair,  and  taking  the  seat  he  en- 
tered into  the  subject  at  once.  "  Viola,"  he  said, 
"  I  came  to  see  your  mother  about  a  little  matter,  but 
I  am  pleased  to  find  you  alone,  for  I  wish  to  speak  to 
you  about  Mr.  John  Stanley." 

She  curled  her  lips  and  said :  "  I  suppose  he  sent 
you?" 

Shepard  smiled  mischievously  and  answered :  ''  You 
suppose  so,  but  do  you  think  so  ?  " 

She  glanced  at  him,  but  did  not  answer,  and  he  con- 
tinued :  "  Of  course  he  has  not  sent  me,  neither  does 
he  or  any  of  the  folks  know  I  came  here.  I  came  of 
my  own  wish,  thinking  I  might  be  able  to  do  some- 
body good,  and  know  I  shall  harm  none.  Do  you  love 
Jack  Stanley?" 

Viola  answered  sharply :  "  No,  I  do  not.  Do  you 
think  so?" 

Shepard  laughed  at  l^cr  sharpness  and  replied :  "  I 
do  not,  but  I  do  think  you  admire  him." 

Her  eyes  flashed  upon  him  as  she  asked :  "  What 
causes  you  to  think  so?  " 

"  I  can  hardly  tell  you,  Viola.  Nothing  in  your 
actions  has  shown  it,  yet  I  feel  that  it  is  so.  Can  you 
truthfully  say  that  you  do  not  admire  him?" 

She  said  pettishly,  as  if  provoked  that  he  had  dis- 


264  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

covered  a  secret :  **  Don't  ask  such  foolish  questions  ; 
talk  about  something  pleasanter." 

He  looked  at  her  a  moment  and  then  said  earnestly : 
"  People  talk  about  what  is  nearest  and  dearest  to 
their  hearts.  I  am  no  exception.  I  wish  to  see  you 
the  wife  of  Jack  Stanley.  It  would  make  me  happy, 
and  it  would  be  a  blessing  to  both  of  you." 

His  words  drove  her  into  a  fury,  and  springing  to 
her  feet  she  cried  :  "  You  wish  it  ?  It  would  make  you 
happy  ?  And  what  about  me  ?  Have  I  nothing  to  say 
in  regard  to  it?  Has  my  happiness  not  to  be  consid- 
ered? Have  I,  to  please  you,  to  marry  a  worthless 
drunkard?  A  murderer  hiding  from  justice !  A  man 
who  dare  not  speak  his  real  name  for  fear  of  the  gal- 
lows !  " 

Shepard's  eyes  flashed  fire  to  hear  her  speak  so 
bitterly  of  his  friend,  but  he  controlled  his  anger  and 
said  quietly :  "  I  do  not  see  why  a  murderess  should 
be  so  mad  at  the  suggestion  to  marry  one  of  her  kind." 

Viola  sprang  to  his  side  and  said  in  a  hoarse  voice : 
'*  What  do  you  mean  ?  " 

**  I  mean  to  say  that  a  young  girl  by  the  name  of 
Viola  Lecon  shot  and  killed  an  officer,  while  in  the 
discharge  of  his  duty." 

''Who  told  you  so?" 

''  That  has  nothing  to  do  with  the  subject.  I  have 
been  informed,  and  correctly  so." 

"  You  lie  !  " 

"  No,  Viola,  I  do  not  lie.  It  is  true  my  informant 
was  in  doubt  about  you  doing  the  killing,  but  I  say, 
being  fully  certain,  that  you  fired  the  shot  that  killed 
one  ofiicer." 

Viola  had  drawn  a  dagger  from  her  bosom,  and 
bending  over  him  she  hissed :  "  And  I  could  kill  you !  " 
Shepard  leaned  back  in  his  chair,  and  placing  his 
hands  behind  his  head,  said  calmly :  "  You  can  do  so 
if  it  will  give  you  any  satisfaction," 


Just  in  Time.  265 

For  a  moment  the  dagger  quivered  above  him,  then 
she  hurled  it  from  her  and  turned  to  leave  the  room. 
Shepard  sprang  to  his  feet,  and  taking  her  by  the  arm 
with  a  strong  grasp  he  led  her  to  a  seat,  then  return- 
ing to  his  own  chair  he  said  in  a  firm  voice :  "  Viola 
Lecon  Beaumont,  listen  to  what  I  have  to  say,  for 
this  will,  perhaps,  be  the  last  time  we  shall  be  alone 
together.  I  find  it  dangerous  for  you  and  I  to  meet, 
for  though  we  would  give  our  lives  for  each  other, 
in  a  moment  of  madness  we  might  destroy.  I  did 
not  come  to  quarrel,  but  to  talk  to  you  about  my  friend, 
and  you  misunderstand  me  entirely.  I  do  not  wish 
you  to  marry  him  without  love.  I  know  the  folly  of 
such  a  course  too  well  to  ask  it.  As  I  said  before, 
I  believe  you  admire  the  man,  and  if  you  would  allow 
yourself  to  know  him  better  I  believe  you  would  learn 
to  love  him.  You  are  trying  to  hate  him  because  you 
hate  yourself  for  declaring  your  love  for  another.  If 
you  had  never  declared  that  love  I  think  your  heart 
would  have  gone  to  Jack  Stanley.  Let  that  night  of 
weakness  be  forgotten.  No  one  knows,  or  ever  will 
know  anything  about  it,  and  no  one  shall  learn  any- 
thing of  your  past  life  from  rrie.  The  secret  was 
given  to  me  for  your  good,  and  it  shall  not  harm  you. 
Of  Jack's  deed  I  need  to  say  nothing.  If  you  had 
been  Jennie's  brother,  or  even  sister,  you  would  have 
done  the  same  thing  and  you  know  it.  Jack  is  not  a 
drunkard,  for  he  has  not  taken  a  drop  since  he  came 
here.  He  vows  he  will  never  taste  it  again,  and  I 
believe  he  will  keep  his  vow.  If  you  were  Jack's  wife 
he  would  be  safe  from  all  folly.  I  came  here  to  ask 
you  to  treat  him  more  kindly,  to  go  more  into  his 
society,  and  if  you  learn  to  love  him  I  doubt  not  but 
he  will  discover  it.  I  would  like  to  have  your  per- 
mission to  inform  Jack  that  you  know  all  of  his  past 
life,  but  if  you  learn  to  love  him  that  would  be  no 
bar  to  your  marriage.     I  ask  this  believing  that  in 


266  An  Old  Dusty 's  Story. 

time  it  will  bring  happiness  to  both  of  you.  I  have 
no  selfish  motive  in  the  matter,  and  it  is  as  much  for 
your  welfare  as  anything  that  I  desire  it.  Can  I 
give  him  encouragement,  Viola  ?  " 

In  his  earnest  pleading  Shepard  had  risen,  and  he 
stood  before  her  with  anxious  face.  Viola's  black  eyes 
were  moist  when  she  arose,  and  taking  his  hand,  she 
said :  ''  Forgive  me,  dear  friend,  for  speaking  so  bit- 
terly, and,  believe  me,  I  would  rather  never  see  the 
light  of  day  than  harm  you.  You  may  tell  Jack  he 
may  be  my  friend,  and  for  your  sake  I  will  try  to 
love  him." 

"  Nay,  my  dear  friend,"  said  Shepard,  "  try  to  love 
him  for  his  own  sake,  and  if  you  cannot  do  so, 
never  marry  him." 

Shepard  kissed  her  and  abruptly  left  the  room.  He 
met  Mrs.  Beaumont  on  the  street,  and  she  insisted 
that  he  return  with  her  and  partake  of  tea.  Shepard 
returned  with  her,  and  a  pleasant  little  tea  he  found  it. 
Viola  was  quiet  but  had  never  seemed  so  sweet  before. 
On  his  return  home  he  informed  Jack  of  his  visit  to 
Viola,  and  said :  "  She  is  willing  to  accept  you  for  a 
friend.  She  is  acquainted  with  your  past  life,  and  if 
she  learns  to  love  you  she  will  not  refuse  your  hand  in 
marria^-e  on  account  of  the  past.  I  hope  you  will  win 
her  love." 


She  has  Come  to  Kiss  Me.  267 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

SHE  HAS  COME  TO  KISS  ME. 

The  summer  days  were  nearly  gone,  and  Jack  Stan- 
ley was  soon  to  marry  Viola.  He  had  won  her  love 
and  Shepard  had  gained  his  wish.  Shepard  had  be- 
come rich,  for  his  theory  in  regard  to  the  mine  had 
been  correct,  and  when  they  got  into  the  vein  they 
found  an  immense  body  of  ore.  But  with  wealth, 
Shepard  began  to  fail.  He  seemed  to  have  no  object 
in  life  and  ran  down  rapidly.  He  was  compelled  to 
use  a  cane  to  assist  him  in  walking.  They  were  all 
anxious  about  him,  but  Mrs.  Stanley  most  of  all.  He 
had  taken  as  close  a  place  in  her  heart  as  her  own  son, 
and  Jack  was  not  more  dear  to  her.  She  had  caMed  in 
a  doctor,  and  after  an  examination  he  told  Mrs.  Stan- 
ley that  Shepard  was  in  a  decline  and  nothing  could 
save  him. 

Shepard  kept  on  his  feet  until  after  the  marriage  of 
Jack  and  Viola,  then  he  took  to  his  bed.  He  had  all 
the  care  that  loving  wife,  mother  and  sister  could  give, 
but  that  could  not  save  him.  He  did  not  complain,  but 
was  the  same  quiet  Shepard,  only  quieter  than  ever. 
He  did  not  suffer  any  and  seemed  quite  happy.  He 
had  a  smile  for  all,  but  it  was  brightest  for  Jennie, 
and  he  seemed  to  rest  better  when  she  was  near.  One 
evening  when  his  wife  was  alone  with  him,  Mrs.  Stan- 
ley and  Jennie  having  retired  to  obtain  a  little  rest, 
she  was  startled  from  the  book  she  was  reading  by 


268  An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 

Shcpard  calling  her  to  him.     "  I  thought  you  were 
sleeping,"  she  said.     **  What  can  I  do  for  you  ?  " 

''  Nothing,  my  dear,  I  only  want  to  talk  to  you. 
I  feel  strong  to-night  and  I  wish  to  tell  you  what  I 
want  you  to  do  when  I  am  gone.  Do  not  cry,  Maggie, 
for  I  must  go  some  time,  and  it  is  as  well  now  as  later. 
You  and  the  little  ones  are  provided  for;  with  fair 
management  you  are  safe  from  want.  I  have  no  fear 
on  that  account,  but  I  am  troubled  about  another  mat- 
ter. I  want  you  to  stay  with  the  Stanleys  and  not 
return  to  Utah.  I  do  not  wish  you  to  go  back  to  your 
Mormon  friends.  I  do  not  want  my  children  to  be 
raised  under  Mormon  influence.  Some  of  the  Mor- 
mons are  good  people  in  their  way,  but  their  way  is 
not  American.  There  are  many  good  men  and  women 
amongst  the  Mormons.  You  know  I  always  said  so, 
and  those  are  better  than  their  religion,  but  they  are 
not  free.  You  know  they  could  not  be  Mormons  and 
be  free.  Their  dearest  wish,  their  choicest  plans  must 
be  given  up  if  they  conflict  with  the  will  of  the  priest- 
hood. If  they  know  they  are  ri2:ht  and  the  priesthood 
are  wrong,  that  makes  no  difference,  for  they  must 
obey  the  priesthood  without  question.  Maggie,"  and 
Shepard's  voice  rose  strong  and  clear,  **  I  do  not  wish 
my  children  to  be  taught  that  they  have  no  right  to 
question.  Teach  them  to  question  all  things  in  a  spirit 
of  inquiry  and  choose  what  to  them  seems  best.  I 
do  not  want  them  to  be  taught  that  woman,  the  cream 
of  all  that  is  good,  pure  and  beautiful,  depends  upon 
man  for  her  salvation,  that  she  cannot  be  saved  with- 
out him.  Instead  of  such  cursed  doctrine,  teach  them 
that  man  cannot  be  saved  without  woman;  that  the 
salvation  of  the  race  here  and  hereafter  depends  upon 
their  equality  and  mutual  love.  Maggie,  dear,  do  not 
go  back  to  that  territory  where  woman's  heart  is 
crushed  and  its  love  trampled  in  the  dust.  But  if  you 
must  go  back  to  Utah,  have  nothing  to  do  with  Mor- 


She  has  Come  to  Kiss  Me.  269 

monism.  There  is  little  freedom  in  it  for  man  and 
none  at  all  for  woman.  But  you  know  it  as  well  as  I. 
You  have  seen  the  old  man  sneak  up  to  the  young  wife 
at  dusk,  taking  her  a  little  flour,  fearful  that  his  old 
wife  should  see  it,  and  you  have  seen  him  sneak  away 
again  at  break  of  day,  his  every  motion  showing  he 
felt  himself  a  criminal  in  spite  of  'his  professions  that 
he  was  doing  the  will  of  God.  Do  not  go  back,  but 
sell  your  home  and  think  of  it  no  more.  When  the 
children  grow  large  and  inquire  about  the  place  of 
their  birth,  tell  them  it  was  a  good  and  lovely  land, 
but  blighted  by  a  cruel  creed  and  cursed  by  a  brutal 
priesthood.  Tell  the  children  that  they  were  born 
free  and  that  none  of  Mormonism's  foolish  rites  were 
ever  nuDnbled  over  them,  for  their  father  was  a  Gen- 
tile, one  of  the  stalwarts,  one  who  demanded  equal 
rights  and  fair  play  and  would  take  nothing  less.  Keep 
the  children  free  and  teach  them  to  be  true  and  good. 
This  is  all  I  ask  of  you." 

Shcpard  fell  back  exhausted  and  Maggie  wept  over 
him,  and  promised  to  keep  the  children  from  Mormon- 
ism,  that  they  might  not  know  its  trials  and  heart- 
aches, its  curse  and  misery.  He  kissed  her  and  said: 
**  I  am  satisfied  now  and  ready  to  go." 

A  few  days  after  this  they  all  gathered  around  his 
bed,  the  end  bcir;g  near.  Shepard  was  unconscious 
and  breathing  heavily.  Mrs.  Shepard  was  broken 
down  and  helpless,  but  Mrs.  Stanley  moistened  his  lips 
form  time  to  time.  He  had  bade  them  good-by  that 
morning  and  had  whispered  to  Mrs.  Stanley:  ''  I  shall 
go  with  the  sun." 

And  now  the  sun  was  very  low,  it  would  soon  be 
gone.  As  it  touched  the  distant  hills,  Shepard  grew 
restless  and  murmured  incoherently.  Then  his  words 
became  clear  and  he  seemed  to  be  talking  to  sopie  one 
of  events  in  his  past  life.  He  started  up  in  bed  and 
lookhig  towards  the  door,  said :  **  What  is  that  you 


270  An  Old  Dusty 's  Story. 

say  ?  Some  ladies  wishing  to  see  me  ?  Tell  them  I  am 
not  well  and  cannot  see  them  to-day." 

Mrs.  Stanley  was  laying  him  on  the  pillows  when  he 
started  again  and  exclaimed :  *'  What  is  that  you  say  ? 
Annie  wishes  to  see  me  for  she  has  been  waiting  a 
long  time  and  must  see  me?  Who  is  Annie?  I  don't 
remember  her?  My  old  sweetheart,  did  you  say?  Oh, 
I  remember  now.  It  is  Annie  Howard  you  mean. 
But  you  are  mistaken,  she  was  not  my  sweetheart,  for 
it  was  she  that  was  my  bitterheart.  Don't  let  her  in 
for  I  do  not  wish  to  see  her.  She  cannot  give  me 
light,  for  it  was  she  who  gave  me  darkness,  misery, 
and  despair.  But  you  can  tell  her  not  to  grieve  and 
think  I  am  offended  with  her.  I  am  not,  and  I  wish 
her  well.  Tell  her  so,  and  tell  her  I  forgave  her 
years  ago.  You  can  let  her  know  that  I  did  not 
rave  and  curse,  and  say  that  woman  was  false.  I  was 
very  quiet  then,  and  I  am  quiet  now,  and  soon  shall  be 
quieter  still.  Tell  her  I  say  good-by  and  bid  her  be 
good  and  true." 

Shepard  fell  back  struggling  for  breath,  but  he  soon 
breathed  easier  and  seemed  to  be  dozing.  Some  one 
made  a  slight  noise,  when  he  started  up  again,  saying : 
"  What  do  you  want  now  ?  Can  you  not  let  me  rest  ? 
It  can  do  you  no  good  to  trouble  n>e  so.  Another  lady, 
is  it?  Well,  I  am  sure  they  are  very  kind.  Who  is 
she,  and  what  does  she  wish?  Bessie  Dalton,  .is  it? 
Ah !  I  remember  Bessie.  Sweet  Bessie  of  the  olden 
time !  And  she  says  *  farewell '  and  '  rest  in  peace,' 
does  she?  Well,  that  is  kind  and  good.  But  Bessie 
was  always  a  good  girl,  always  a  good  srirl." 

Shepard's  head  drooped  and  Mrs.  Stanley  laid  him 
on  the  pillows.  •  He  was  quiet  for  a  long  time,  when 
again  he  became  restless,  and  startinsf  up  once  more, 
he  whispered :  "  What  is  that  you  say  ?  One  who  has 
a  right  wants  to  see  me?  What  is  her  right,  and  what 
does  she  wi-nt.     Wants  to  go  with  me,  do  you  say? 


She  has  Come  to  Kiss  Me.  271 

What  a  foolish  thing-!  I  am  going  on  an  unknowo 
journey.  And  I  have  no  path  to  follow  nor  guide  to 
lead  me.  All  is  darkness  and  gloom,  yet  I  am  not 
afraid  for  I  shall  find  the  light.  I  shall  pass  through 
the  black  pall  now  falling  upon  me  and  travel  on  until 
I  reach  the  new  morn  whose  glorious  sun  will  drive 
the  mists  away.  But  who  is  it  that  is  so  brave  and 
devoted  to  take  such  a  journey  with  me?  What? 
Speak  louder,  I  do  not  hear  you.  Maggie?  Surely 
you  don't  say  it  is  Maggie  Harland,  the  orphan,  the 
friend  of  a  day,  that  would  brave  such  a  journey  with 
me  ?  No,  not  her !  Well,  I  thought  not,  for  I  hardly 
knew  Maggie  Harland.  So  it  is  another  Maggie,  is 
it?  Tell  me  her  name,  for  I  have  forgotten  it.  I 
would  like  to  know  it  now,  so  I  can  think  of  her  when 
I  reach  the  other  side.  Maggie  Shepard,  is  it?  Oh! 
I  am  becoming  very  stupid  and  am  forgetting  the 
world  when  I  forget  Maggie  Shepard.  But  I  remem- 
ber her  now.  Oh,  remember  her  so  well !  She  was 
my  little  comforter,  and  brought  me  hope  and  joy, 
peace  and  rest.  It  was  she  who  took  my  cup  of  sor- 
row away  and  made  the  world  bright  again  with  life 
and  light  for  me.  Ah,  Maggie  was  ever  dear,  and  ever 
a  comfort!  And  she  would  go  with  me  into  the  un- 
known land  to  be  a  comfort  still?  Bless  her!  Bless 
her!  But  it  cannot  be,  I  m.ust  go  alone.  And  it  is 
best  to  do  so,  for  I  ever  led  the  way.  I  shall  go  ahead 
and  prepare  a  home  for  her;  oh,  and  it  shall  be  such 
a  home.  There  shall  be  singing  birds  and  scented 
flowers,  laughing  brooks  and  whispering  trees.  She 
shall  know  no  more  toils  nor  worry,  care  nor  pain, 
for  all  shall  be  bright  and  happy  for  my  little  com- 
forter. When  I  prepare  my  new  home  for  her,  I  shall 
wait  with  longing  heart  for  her  coming,  and  my  hap- 
piness will  not  be  complete  until  she  is  at  mv  side 
again,  for  I  shall  be  lonesome  without  her.  Tell  her 
I  shall  wait  at  the  gate  for  her  coming  and  I  will 


:272 


An  Old  Dusty's  Story. 


lead  her  through  the  night  and  gloom  to  our  beau- 
tiful home.  Tell  her  not  to  weep  when  I  am  gone, 
for  I  go  but  to  prepare  another  home,  as  I  have  done 
before,  but  we  will  change  it  no  more,  for  we  will  for 
ever  dwell  together  in  love  and  peace.  For  the  little 
time  that  we  do  part,  bid  my  darling  be  brave,  and 
wise,  and  happy.  I  will  not  say  farewell,  for  we  shall 
meet  soon,  very  soon.     Good-by,  dear  love,  good-by." 

Shepard  smiled  as  he  sank  on  the  pillows  and  lay 
very  still.  They  thought  he  had  gone,  when  he 
startled  them  by  rising  again  and  calling :  "  What  is  it 
now  ?    Who  is  it  now  ?  " 

He  inclined  his  head  for  a  moment  as  if  listening, 
then  extending  his  hands  he  cried  in  rapture :  "  It  is 
Jennie !  Sweet,  pure  Jennie !  Loved  and  worshiped 
Jennie !     She  has  come  to  kiss  me !  " 

These  words  were  his  last.  When  Mrs.  Stanley  laid 
him  back  on  the  pillows,  all  was  over.  Shepard  had 
gone  to  his  rest. 


^D    ^Ul   /J 


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THE  UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  UBRARY 


